V 


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University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/radicalrhymesOOdent 


RADICAL  RHYMES 


BY 

WILLIAM  DENTON. 


BOSTON  ; 

PTTBLISHED  BY  WILLIAM  DENTON. 

FOR  SALE  BY  WILLIAM  WHITE  & CO., 

158  Washington  Street. 

1871. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1871, 
By  william  DENTON, 

In  the  Office  of  tlie  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


Randy  Avery y ^ Co. y Printers,  Boston. 


^11 


y 


To  THE  Friends  of  Human  Progress,  — 

Who  are  laboring  to  remove  the  evils  that  afflict 
humanity,  and  speed  the  time  when  men  shall  form  one  loving 
family  the  wide  world  over,  these  verses  are  dedicated  by  their 
friend  and  fellow-laborer, 


William  Denton. 


I I 46822 


remote  s . 


PEEFATOEY. 


Most  of  these  pieces  were  put  before  the  public  nineteen 
years  ago,  in  a small  volume  called  Poems  for  Reformp:rs, 
which  has  long  been  out  of  print.  I had  not  intended  to  re- 
print them,  knowing  their  imperfections  ; but,  having  been 
called  for  by  many,  I send  them  forth  again  to  help  in  doing 
needed  work. 


Wellesly,  July,  1871. 


I 


Radical  Rhymes. 


I MAY  NOT  BE  A POET. 

I MAY  not  be  a poet : but  my  heart  beats  to  the  tune 

The  mocking-birds  are  warbling  in  this  merry  month 
of  June; 

My  soul  joins  in  the  chorus  as  they  swell  their  art- 
less lay ; 

I sit  and  dream  of  heaven  on  this  sunny,  summer- 
day. 

J may  not  be  a poet ; but  I often  stand  and  gaze, 

With  joy-tears  in  my  eyes,  upon  the  sun’s  depart- 
ing rays, 

When  golden  beams  are  streaming  through  the 
cloudlets  in  the  west. 

And  Sol  gives  each  a glory-kiss  before  he  goes  to 
rest. 


7 


8 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


T may  not  be  a poet : but  I love  the  forest-tree  ; 

Each  wood-king  is  a brother,  happj^,  natural,  and 
free. 

I worship  as  a Druid ; for  God  dwells  within  tliis 
place : 

In  wanderinc^  throimh  the  forest,  I behold  him  face 

O O 7 

to  face. 

I may  not  be  a poet : but  I love  night’s  starry  eyes  ; 

Their  glory,  like  a magnet,  draws  my  spirit  to  the 
skies. 

I march  along  the  milky  way,  amid  the  shining 
throng. 

And  list  with  rapture,  as  I go,  to  their  melodious 
song. 

I may  not  be  a poet : but  the  flowers  talk  to  me  ; 

The  leaflets  whisper  softly  as  I sit  beneath  the  tree. 

To  me  the  crickets  chirp  their  loves,  no  secrets 
from  me  hid : 

I lie  upon  the  velvet  sward,  and  learn  what  Katy 
did.” 

I may  not  be  a poet ; but  I love  the  true  and  right. 

And  welcome  freedom’s  dawning,  as  the  eagle 
greets  the  light. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


9 


Roll  on,  bright  orb  of  Liberty;  and,  in  thy  ardent 
i^ay. 

May  every  fetter  mankind  wears  melt  speedily 
away  ! 


TO  THE  TRUE  REFORMER. 

List  to  thy  thought,  as  its  gentle  voice  greets  thee. 
And,  sternly  unshrinking,  obey  its  behest : 

Heed  not  the  clamor  of  custom  that  meets  thee  ; 
Still  doing  thy  duty,  leave  Heaven  the  rest. 

Cherish  thy  thought ; his  a sapling  supernal. 
Transplanted  from  heaven,  to  flourish  below : 
Food  fit  for  gods,  it  will  yield  thee  eternal ; 
Neglected,  its  fruit  will  be  sorrow  and  woe. 

Live  to  thy  thought ; be  the  model,  God-given, 
Thy  guide,  as  the  soul’s  walls  from  day  to  day 
rise  ! 

Patiently  build : thou  shalt  see  unto  heaven 
A temple  of  beauty  in  grandeur  arise. 

Trust  in  thy  thought : ’tis  an  anchor  will  hold  thee 
From  drifting,  when  storms  of  adversity  blow ; 


10 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


Compass  and  chart  when  night’s  black  clouds  en- 
fold thee, 

While  steering  thy  bark  from,  the  islands  of  woe. 

Utter  thy  thought;  see  thou  lock  not  the  coffer, 
Thus  meanly  and  miserly  hiding  it  there ; 

Out  with  it  boldly,  not  fearing  the  scoffer. 

As  bright  as  the  sun,  and  as  free  as  the  air. 

Follow  thy  thought:  it  will  lead  to  the  mountain  : 
Thy  soul  shall  then  bask  where  the  flowers 
bloom  ever. 

Drink  blessed  draughts  at  felicity’s  fountain. 
Rejoicing  with  friends  that  no  future  shall  sever. 


WHO  ARE  THE  THIEVES? 

What  stores  of  wealth  in  unfound  mines 
The  rich  old  earth  contains ! 

Of  iron,  silver,  lead,  and  gold. 

What  piles  within  her  veins ! 

While  still  with  bounteous  harvests  swell 
Our  mother’s  undrawn  breast. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


11 


Of  sweetest  fruit,  of  corn  and  oil, 

To  make  each  poor  man  blest. 

What  rocks  to  make  his  palace  walls  ! 

What  cedars  for  its  beams  ! 

Our  paupers  might  as  wealthy  be 
As  misers  in  their  dreams. 

What  woods  uncut ! what  fields  unploughed  ! 

The  laborer  is  God’s  heir : 

Who  steal  his  proud  inheritance  ? 

Who  are  the  thieves,  and  where? 

Who  lock  up  Nature’s  boundless  wealth. 

Nor  heed  the  needy’s  cry? 

They  are  man’s  greatest  enemies ; 

And  they  or  we  must  die. 


THE  TIME  HAS  COME. 

The  time  has  come  to  stand  erect. 

In  noble,  manly  self-respect ; 

To  see  the  bright  sun  overhead, 

To  feel  the  ground  beneath  our  tread, 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Unled  by  priests,  nncursed  by  creeds, 
Our  manhood  proving  by  our  deeds. 

The  time  has  come  to  break  the  j^oke, 
Whatever  cost  the  needed  stroke ; 

To  set  the  toiling  millions  free. 
Whatever  price  their  liberty  : 

Better  a few  should  die,  than  all 
Be  held  in  worse  than  deadly  thrall. 

The  time  has  come  for  men  to  find 
Their  statute-book  within  the  mind  ; 

To  read  its  laws,  and  cease  to  pore 
The  musty  tomes  of  ages  o’er : 

Truth’s  golden  rays  its  page  illume ; 
Her  fires  your  legal  scrolls  consume. 

The  time  has  come  to  preach  the  soul ; 
No  meagre  shred,  the  manly  whole. 

Let  agitation  come  : who  fears  ? 

We  need  a flood:  the  filth  of  years 
Has  gathered  round  us.  Roll,  then,  on 
What  cannot  stand  had  best  be  gone. 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


13 


THE  COMING  DAY. 

See  the  twiliQ:ht  on  the  hills ! 

See  the  leaping  mountain-rills  ! 

Comes  the  wished-for,  longed-for  day, 
Rolling  on  its  sunny  way. 

The  world’s  long  night  is  fleeing  now ; 
For  young  day  tints  the  mountain  brow: 
And  error’s  icy  chains  give  way 
Before  his  warm  and  genial  ray. 

Hark  I swelling  on  the  morning  breeze, 
What  soul-entrancing  symphonies  ! 
Angelic  voices,  with  this  lay. 

Are  heralding  the  coming  day. 

Wake,  drowsy  earth  ! from  sleep  arise  ! 
Light  waits  to  bless  uplifted  eyes : 

Thy  mists  must  vanish,  darkness  fly. 

For  Truth  illumes  the  eastern  sky ; 

And  lovers  of  the  duskj^  night 
May  hide  their  heads  ; for  lo  ! ’tis  light. 
Soldiers,  lay  down  sword  and  gun. 

For  the  work  of  war  is  done  : 


2 


14 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


Men  like  fiends  shall  act  no  more, 
Earth  be  cleansed  from  human  gore. 
Strangers,  foes,  forever  gone. 

Love  shall  make  all  nations  one  : 
Brothers  cannot  fight  av  slay 
In  the  peaceful  coming  day. 

Drunkards,  cast  away  the  bowl ! 

Rise,  dig  up  the  buried  soul ! 

Heaven  gave  you  wings;  then,  why 
Crawl  as  worms  when  you  might  fly  ? 
Water  be  your  drink  alone  : 

True  men  have  no  other  known,  - 
Water,  pure  as  heaven’s  bright  ray, 
Emblem  of  the  coming  day. 

Bondmen,  lift  your  drooping  eyes  ! 
Read  your  charter  in  the  skies  ! 

Ye  are  men  : your  birthright  claim  ; 
Prove  you’re  worthy  of  the  name  ! 
Freedom  rises  from  her  grave. 

Claims  as  hers  each  downcast  slave. 
Chains  and  fetters  melt  away 
In  the  joyous  coming  day.” 

By  faith  we  see  the  shades  of  night 
Disperse  before  the  morning  light ; 


It  ABIC  AL  RHYMES, 


15 


By  hope  we  see  the  day  arise, 

And  gild  his  pathway  on  the  skies ; 

We  hear  that  soul-enchanting  strain, 

And  joy  bounds  through  each  throbbing  vein  ; 
We  watch  and  work,  we  wait  and  pray. 

To  bring  the  joyous  coming  day. 


THE  FREEMAN’S  RESOLUTION. 

I WILL  not  bow  to  a titled  knave. 

Nor  crouch  to  a lordly  priest : 

A martyr’s  torments  I’d  rather  brave. 
Than  be  of  my  manhood  fleeced. 

I’ll  bend  my  knee  to  no  golden  god. 
I’ll  worship  no  calf  in  Dan : 

Erect  and  free  I’ll  stand  on  the  sod. 
And  act  as  becomes  a man. 

I'll  pin  my  faith  to  no  bigot’s  sleeve  ; 

I’ll  swallow  no  griping  creed  : 

I’ll  ask  my  Reason  what  to  believe, 
And  ever  her  answer  heed. 


16 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


I’ll  hide  no  truth  in  a coward  heart, 

The  world  would  be  blessed  to  know ; 

My  boldest  thought,  as  it  wells,  impart. 
Nor  check  the  soul’s  onward  flow. 

Your  curses  hurl  ; but  the  noble  mind 
Can  smile  at  your  priestly  ban. 

Ay,  forge  your  fetters ! ye  cannot  bind 
The  spirit  of  one  free  man. 

I will  be  true  to  my  heaven-born  self. 

Nor  league  with  the  world  to  lie : 

The  rich  may  boast  of  their  hoarded  pelf ; 
In  poverty,  happier  I. 

I’ll  love  the  true,  I will  do  the  right. 
Ruled  only  by  Reason’s  sway  : 

Let  all  do  so ; and  the  world’s  dark  night 
Will  melt  into  rosy  day. 


TRUTH  AND  ERROR. 

Not  an  error,  firm  as  Andes, 

Deep  as  lie  her  granite  roots. 
High  as  soars  the  bird  of  thunder. 
Wide  as  autumn  sheds  her  fruits. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


17 


But  can  feel  the  heave  of  progress, 

Like  an  earthquake  at  its  core, 

And  can  hear  the  tempest  roaring 
That  shall  sweep  it  from  the  shore. 

Let  it  spread  as  spreads  the  banyan. 
Thousand-trunked  o’er  hill  and  dell  ; 
Truth’s  an  axe  whose  edge  of  lightning 
Shall  the  giant  Upas  fell. 


THE  FREEMAN’S  REPLY. 

They  say  I must  be  silent  that  all  truth  should 
not  be  said  ; 

That,  when  the  soul  its  birthright  claims,  the  body 
lacks  for  bread  ; 

That  want  and  woe  companions  are  of  every  fool- 
ish man 

Who  by  his  heresies  calls  down  the  holy  Church’s 
ban. 

They  bid  me  still  the  spirit-voice  that  bids  the 
soul  be  free. 

And  chain  within  the  mind’s  deep  cells  the  angel 
God  sent  me. 


2* 


18 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Go,  bid  the  ocean  cease  to  heave,  the  rivers  cease 
to  flow ; 

Bid  smiling  Spring  retrace  her  steps,  and  flowerets 
cease  to  blow. 

Go,  bid  the  bright  stars  shut  their  ej^es,  send  back 
the  sunbeam  flown. 

And  steal  the  azure  from  the  skies  that  circle 
round  its  throne. 

Go,  drive  the  wild  winds  to  their  home,  the  light- 
ning to  its  nest  : 

Ye  cannot  quench  the  soul’s  deep  fires  that  burn 
within  the  breast. 

No:  man  was  made  for  freedom,  as  the  stars  were 
made  to  shine  ; 

His  boldest  thought  be  spoken ; ’tis  his  heritage 
divine  : 

For,  while  the  air  remaineth  to  reverberate  a 
sound. 

The  voice  of  God  shall  never  by  the  voice  of  man 
be  bound. 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


19 


LABOR. 

’Tis  the  two-edged  sword  of  sharpness ; 

’Tis  the  boots  of  seven-leagued  stride ; 
’Tis  the  stone  that  turns  our  pewter 
Into  gold,  twice  purified. 

’Tis  the  hymn  all  Nature’s  singing ; 

’Tis  the  prayer  God  loves  to  hear : 

He  who  labors  finds  an  answer 
To  his  supplications  near. 


NO. 

When  Vice,  with  her  painted  face,  tempts  thee  to 
stray, 

Bewitchingly  smiling  thy  scruples  away ; 

When  Conscience  but  whispers,  and  Passion  says. 
Go,  — 

Let  manhood  awake,  and  with  firmness  say.  No. 

When  Mammon  is  god  ; and  all  offer  their  vow, 
And  interest  whispers  to  every  soul.  Bow  ; 

When  all  men  do  wrong,  and  ask  thee  to  do  so,  — 
That’s  the  time  to  speak  boldly  a manly  No. 


20 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


When  base  men  for  lucre  their  brethren  enslave, 
And  fortune  and  fame  seem  to  wait  on  the  knave 
When  by  them  invited  all  love  to  forego, 

Make  false  hearts  recoil  by  the  ring  of  thy  No. 


REVOLUTION. 

Truth  is  shining  ; earth’s  awaking  ; 
Freedom  rising,  chains  are  breaking  ; 
Tyrants  on  their  thrones  are  quaking. 
For  their  reign  is  nearly  done. 
Knowledge  coming,  error  leaving  ; 
Pen  and  press  their  past  retrieving. 
Swiftly  fly  their  shuttles,  weaving 
All  the  nations  into  one. 

Priests  and  creeds  are  retroceding ; 
Men  the  guide  within  are  heeding ; 
Eveiy  one  his  garden  weeding ; 

Headlong,  bigotry  is  hurled. 
Love  upspringing,  hate  is  dying ; 

Men  rejoicing,  knaves  are  sighing ; 
Deadly  curses  fast  are  flying 
From  a renovated  world. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


21 


WHAT  I ONCE  THOUGHT. 

I ONCE  thought  that  heaven  was  made  for  the 
few ; 

That  God  was  as  vengeful  as  Moses  the  Jew ; 

That  millions  were  doomed  at  his  bidding  to  dwell 
Within  the  dark  bounds  of  a terrible  hell 
Where  hope  never  enters,  but  ring  on  the  air 
The  weepings  and  wailings  of  endless  despair. 

I once  thought  the  Bible  was  God’s  holy  Word ; 
That  reason  opposing  should  never  be  heard : 

I made  it  my  study,  my  every-day  care  ; 

Its  falsehoods  were  truth,  and  its  curses  were 
prayer ; 

To  doubt  was  a crime  that  could  ne’er  be  forgiven  ; 
And  faith  was  the  lever  that  raised  us  to  heaven. 

I once  thought  Jehovah  Creator  and  Lord, 

And,  bowed  at  his  footstool,  I feared  and  adored : 
The  deeds  that  a devil  might  blush  to  commit 
Believed  he  had  done,  for  the  Lord  thought  it  fit. 
The  law  of  ri^ht-doino*  I never  dreamed  then 
Applied  unto  gods  even  more  than  to  men. 


22 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


I once  thought  that  death  was  a monster  accurst, 
Of  evils  the  greatest,  the  last,  and  the  worst ; 

His  maw,  so  insatiate,  swallowed  our  race. 

And  left  of  their  beauty  and  glory  no  trace  ; 

The  grave  was  a shadow-land,  cheered  by  no  spring, 
Where  sat  on  his  ice-throne  a skeleton  king. 


I once  thought  that  earth  was  a valley  of  tears,  — r 
A wilderness-world,  full  of  sorrows  and  fears ; 
That  God’s  curse  had  blasted  its  beauty  and  grace. 
And  poisoned  the  fairest  and  best  of  the  race. 

I wept  as  I thought  of  this  horrible  ban. 

And  sorrowed  that  God  should  have  made  me  a 
man. 

Fond  fables  of  childhood ! my  faith  in  you  fled: 
Ye  lie  in  the  tomb  with  the  dust-covered  dead. 


THE  DEVIL  IS  DEAD. 

Sigh,  priests ; cry  aloud,  hang  your  pulpits  with 
black ; 

Let  sorrow  bow  down  every  head : 

The  good  friend  who  bore  all  your  sins  on  his  back. 
Your  best  friend,  the  Devil,  is  dead. 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


23 


Your  church  is  a corpse;  you  are  guarding  its 
tomb : 

The  soul  of  your  system  has  fled. 

That  death-knell  is  tolling  your  terrible  doom: 

It  tells  us  the  Devil  is  dead. 

’Twas  knowledge  gave  Satan  a terrible  blow ; 

Poor  fellow  ! he  took  to  his  bed. 

Alas ! idle  priests,  that  such  things  should  be  so  : 
Your  master,  the  Devil,  is  dead. 

You’re  bid  to  the  funeral,  ministers  all ; 

We’ve  dug  the  old  gentleman’s  bed  : 

Your  black  coats  will  make  a most  excellent  pall 
To  cover  your  friend  who  is  dead. 

Ay,  lower  him  mournfully  into  tlie  grave ; 

Let  showers  of  tear-drops  be  shed : 

Your  business  is  gone  ; there  are  no  souls  to  save  ; 
Their  tempter,  the  Devil,  is  dead. 

Woe  comes  upon  woe:  you  can  ne’er  get  your 
dues. 

Hell’s  open  ; the  damned  souls  have  fled : 

They  took  to  their  heels  when  they  heard  the 
good  new^s,  — 

Their  jailer,  the  Devil,  is  dead. 


24 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Camp-meetings  henceforth  will  be  needed 
more ; 

Revivals  are  knocked  on  the  head : 

The  orthodox  vessel  lies  stranded  on  shore, 
Her  captain,  the  Devil,  is  dead. 


BLIND  WORKERS. 

As  the  polyp,  slowly  toiling. 

Builds  the  Avondrous  coral  hills. 
Never  dreaming  of  the  office 
It  so  dexterously  fulfils  ; 

So  the  merchants  and  the  doctors. 
Footmen,  barmen,  grubworms  low. 
Lawyers,  parsons,  politicians. 

Toil  and  moil,  but  never  know 
They  are  building,  like  the  polyp,  ' 
’Neath  the  dark,  tumultuous  sea. 
Mansions  for  a coming  people, 

Noble  race  that  is  to  be. 


no 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


25 


THE  WOULD  IS  YOUNG. 

The  world  is  young,  my  brothers : 

We're  all  here  in  good  time. 

Cease  groaning,  foolish  preacher ; 

The  earth  is  in  her  prime. 

When  did  the  sun  shine  brighter  ? 

Who  saw  the  moon  more  fair  ? 

Who  knew  Spring’s  breath  more  balmy? 

More  sweet  the  fragrant  air? 

Still  sing  the  flowing  rivers. 

Still  chant  the  rolling  seas ; 

And  anthems  rise  to  heaven 
From  budding  forest-trees. 

In  Nature’s  face  no  wrinkle  ; 

Care  writes  not  on  her  brow : 

When  sano;  the  stars  of  morning,” 

Less  fair  was  she  than  now. 

Still  lives  the  tree  of  freedom. 

Whose  boughs  bear  fruit  for  all, 

And  poison  for  the  tyrant 
Who  would  a soul  enthral. 

We’ll  sing  the  old  world  young  then, 
With  beauty  on  its  brow : 

No  Adam  saw  as  fair  a globe 
As  blooms  around  us  now. 


3 


26 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


THE  FREEMAN’S  HYMN. 

Happy  the  man  whose  soul  is  free 
To  follow  truth,  O God ! and  thee  : 

No  creeds  his  soul  to  error  chain ; 

He  snaps  the  priestly  bonds  in  twain. 

The  laws  that  are  thy  life  he  loves, 

And  this  by  his  obedience  proves ; 

Not  foolish  man-made  laws,  but  thine,  — 
Truthful,  eternal,  and  divine. 

His  soul  within  no  sect  confined. 

His  church  embraces  all  mankind ; 

Each  day  a sabbath  is  to  him  ; 

His  life  a never-ceasing  hymn. 

No  Bible  his,  by  mortals  penned. 

Where  truth  and  error  strangely  blend  ; 
His  book  the  book  of  Nature,  true. 
Perfect,  immortal,  ever  new. 

He  prays  no  heaven  his  soul  to  bless. 

Of  everlasting  idleness  ; 

His  great  desire,  his  chief  concern,” 

To  labor  ever  and  to  learn. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


27 


No  hell  of  useless  torment  fears, — 

Its  fires  would  quench  in  angels’  tears  ; 
No  devil  dreads,  dark  god  of  woe. 

Whom  only  ignorance  can  know. 

To  him  the  heavens  thy  truth  declare  : 

The  morning  beams  serenely  fair. 

The  stars  of  night,  the  land,  the  sea, 

Are  all  the  teachers  of  the  free. 

Thy  voice  he  hears  in  every  breeze. 

In  wild-bird’s  song  among  the  trees. 
And  in  the  clouds  of  eve  can  trace 
The  beamings  of  thy  smiling  face. 

Thou  teachest  him  where’er  he  turns : 

Sweet  lessons  in  thy  school  he  learns, 
Of  goodness,  wisdom,  truth,  and  love. 
Made  perfect  in  thy  school  above. 


WHAT  IS  RELIGION? 

Not  masses  nor  crosses  nor  Catholic  creeds  ; 

Not  mumbling  of  aves,  nor  counting  of  beads  ; 

Not  church-going,  psalm-singing,  paying  of  priests. 
Attendance  on  sermons,  prayer-meetings,  or  feasts  ; 


28 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Nor  wearing  a broad  brim,  and  plain  ‘‘thou”  and 
“ thee,” 

Or  straight-collared  coat,  from  the  world’s  fashion 
free  ; 

It  is  not  to  kneel  with  a long,  pious  face. 

Or  sing  solemn  anthems  in  some  holy  place  ; 

In  sect  to  be  cradled,  or  on  a creed  nursed. 
Believing  that  every  outsider  is  cursed  ; 

That  God  has  in  heaven  ordained  us  to  dwell. 

But  left  countless  millions  to  drop  into  hell. 
Religion  is  love  in  the  heart  and  the  life. 

The  soother  of  sorrow,  destroyer  of  strife  ; 

The  soul’s  best  physician,  relieves  every  pain, 

And  in  her  dark  cavern  lights  hope  once  again. 

It  curses  no  one  who  has  doubts  of  its  creed  ; 

It  hunts  up  no  martyrs  to  burn  or  to  bleed  ; 

It  tells  of  no  Devil  with  tortures  and  chains, 

No  hell  of  unending  and  horrible  pains. 

It  seeks  not  to  bless  men  by  force  or  by  fear. 

But  draws  them  with  love  to  a God  very  near. 

It  tells  of  the  right,  and  it  whispers.  Obey  : 

To  happiness,  virtue  alone  is  the  way. 

This  world  it  makes  happy  ; and  then,  beyond  this. 
It  points  to  another  all  sunny  with  bliss. 

Bright  heaven  of  beauty,  how  fair  are  thy  skies ! 
Thou  home  of  the  good,  and  thou  school  of  the  wise. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


29 


WHAT  MAKES  A MAN? 

Not  numerous  years,  nor  lengthened  life ; 
Not  pretty  children  and  a Avife  ; 

Not  pins  and  chains  and  fancy  rings, 

Nor  any  such  like  trumpery  things ; 

Not  pipe,  cigar,  nor  bottled  wine. 

Nor  liberty  with  kings  to  dine  ; 

Nor  coat  nor  boots,  nor  yet  a hat, 

A dandy  vest,  or  trim  cravat ; 

Not  houses,  land,  nor  golden  ore. 

Nor  all  the  world’s  wealth  laid  in  store  ; 
Not  mister,  reverend,  sir,  nor  squire. 
With  titles  that  the  memory  tire ; 

Not  ancestry,  traced  back  to  Will, 

Who  went  from  Normandy  to  kill ; 

Not  Latin,  Greek,  nor  Hebrew  lore. 

Nor  thousand  volumes  rambled  o’er  ; 

Not  judge’s  robe  nor  mayor’s  mace. 

Nor  crowns  that  deck  the  royal  race,  — 
These  all  united  never  can 
Avail  to  make  a single  man. 

A truthful  soul,  a loving  mind, 

F ull  of  affection  for  its  kind  ; 


3* 


30 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


A helper  of  the  human  race, 

A soul  of  beauty  and  of  grace  ; 

A spirit  firm,  erect,  and  free. 

That  never  basely  bends  the  knee  ; 

That  will  not  bear  a feather's  weight 
Of  slavery’s  chain  to  save  a State  ; 

That  truly  speaks  from  God  within. 
And  never  makes  a league  with  sin  ; 

Tliat  snaps  the  fetters  despots  make. 
And  loves  the  truth  for  its  own  sake  ; 
That  trembles  at  no  tyrant’s  nod,  — 

A soul  that  fears  not  even  God, 

And  thus  can  smile  at  curse  and  ban,  — 
That  is  the  soul  that  makes  a man. 


WE’LL  LABOR  IN  LOVE  FOR  HUMANITY’S 
SAKE. 

While  ignorance  darkens  one  heaven-made  soul, 
While  bigotry  holds  o’er  a mortal  control. 

While  slavery  robs  men  of  virtue  and  will. 

And  War  has  his  gory  hand  lifted  to  kill. 

While  want  can  a brother’s  heart  sorrowful  make, 
We’ll  labor  in  love  for  Humanity’s  sake. 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


31 


Though  some  that  were  friends  in  affliction  may 
fail ; 

Though  bigots  may  frown,  and  like  tigers  assail ; 
Though  felons  may  seek  with  the  despot  to  bind 
us, 

And  ignorant  priests  with  their  errors  to  blind 
us  ; 

Though  stealthy  assassins  our  lives  fain  would 
take. 

We’ll  labor  in  love  for  Humanity’s  sake. 

Till  Freedom  arise  in  her  might  from  the  grave. 
And  claim  as  her  child  every  down-trodden  slave  ; 
Till  plenty  shall  gladden  each  dwelling  on  earth. 
And  sadness  and  sorrow  are  banished  by  mirth ; 
Till  no  bond  remains  for  the  freeman  to  break. 
We’ll  labor  in  love  for  Humanity’s  sake. 

No  storms  shall  discourage,  no  dangers  repel : 

All  goodness  is  with  us ; it  can  but  be  well. 

No  angel  shall  tempt  us  our  duty  to  shirk ; 

No  demon  shall  scare  us  from  doing  the  work ; 

No  mortal  shall  coax  us  our  covenant  to  break. 

To  labor  in  love  for  Humanity’s  sake. 


32 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


BE  THYSELF. 

Be  thyself : a nobler  gospel 
Never  preached  the  Nazarene. 

Be  thyself : ’tis  Holy  Scripture, 

Though  no  Bible-lids  between. 

Dare  to  shape  the  thought  in  language 
That  is  lying  in  thy  brain  : 

Dare  to  launch  it,  banners  flying. 

On  the  bosom  of  the  main. 

What  though  pirate-knaves  surround  thee 
Nail  thy  colors  to  the  mast. 

Flinch  not,  flee  not : boldly  sailing. 

Thou  shalt  gain  the  port  at  last. 

Be  no  parrot,  idly  prating 

Thoughts  the  spirit  never  knew : 

Be  a prophet  of  the  God-sent, 

Telling  all  thy  message  true. 

Then  the  coward  world  will  scorn  thee ; 
Friends  may  fail  and  fiends  may  frown ; 

Heaven  itself  grow  dark  above  thee 
Gods  in  anger  thence  look  down. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


33 


Heed  not : there’s  a world  more  potent 
Carried  in  thy  manly  heart. 

Be  thyself,  and  do  thy  duty : 

It  will  always  take  thy  part. 

If  the  God  within  says,  “Well  done,” 
What  are  other  gods  to  thee  ? 

Hell’s  his  frown  ; but,  where  his  smile  is, 
There  is  heaven  for  the  free. 


MAN,  WOMAN,  AND  PRIEST. 

MAX. 

Groaning,  weary,  heavy-laden, 

Lo ! I see  a weeping  maiden. 

Sad  and  desolate  she  moans : 

Such  distress  might  move  the  stones. 
Who  has  dared  to  blast  this  flower,  — 
Made  such  cursed  use  of  power  ? 

Who  has  bound  this  maid  in  chains  ? 
Demons  haunt  him  for  his  pains  ! 

I will  raise  the  drooping  slave. 
Woman,  rise  ! Be  free,  be  brave  ! 

I thy  galling  chains  will  break. 

And  the  consequences  take. 


34 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


PRIEST. 

Stay  thy  hand  ! rash  fool,  beware ! 
An  apostle  placed  them  there ; 
God  himself  the  burden  laid 
On  the  shoulders  of  the  maid. 
Cease  ! his  vengeance,  at  a blow. 
May  this  moment  lay  thee  low. 


MAN. 

God  ! what  god  has  done  this  deed  ? 
Maker  of  the  Hindoo  creed  ? 
Juggernaut,  whose  bloody  rites 
Feast  his  soul  with  rare  delights  ? 

PRIEST. 

Scoffer,  have  you  never  heard 
God’s  most  holy,  precious  word  ? 
Read  his  laws  : they  all  declare 
Woman  must  the  burden  bear. 

Man  is  lord  of  all  below ; 

Woman  as  he  wills  must  go  : 

She  in  all  things  must  obey, 

God  hath  said  ; dare  ^ou  gainsay  ? 


MAN. 

I your  holy  book  have  read : 
Maiden,  raise  thy  drooping  head ! 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


35 


There’s  a holier  book  than  yours, 
Evermore  its  truth  endures  ; 
Universal  bible  it, 

’Tis  the  only  ‘‘  holy  writ ; ” 

Sky  and  earth  and  sea  its  pages. 
Fit  for  children  as  for  sages ; 
Freedom’s  name’s  on  every  line 
Of  this  manuscript  divine. 

Let  your  Jewish  fables  go  ; 

Error  is  the  source  of  woe ; 
Nature  to  the  world  is  preaching. 
Listen  to  her  truthful  teaching : 
Men  and  women  equal,  free. 
Then  the  world’s  long  Jubilee. 


WHEN  IS  IT  SABBATH? 

Is  SABBATH  when  from  steeples  tall 
Loud  bells  send  forth  their  deaf ’ning  call ; 
When  people  seek  the  house  of  prayer,” 
And  priests  set  forth  their  gospel  ware  ; 
When  David’s  curses  chant  the  saints. 

And  deafen  God  with  loud  complaints ; 
When  heaven  is  preached  their  blest  abode. 
And  each  creed  taught,  the  only  road; 


36 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


While  ‘‘hell  uncapped”  flames  up  to  view, 
And  Jesus  stands  to  save  his  few? 

'Tis  sabbath  when,  with  folded  liands. 

The  flowers  pray  in  saintly  bands ; 

When  holy  stars,  at  twilight  dim, 

Look  down  and  sing  their  evening  hymn  ; 
When  Sleep  the  weary  eyelids  close. 

And  steals  away  a world  of  woes. 

And  human  passions  lulls  to  rest 
Upon  her  calm,  all-loving  breast. 

Seals  with  a kiss  the  sleeper’s  eyes. 

And  lifts  his  soul  to  paradise. 


FOGYLAND. 

Of  all  the  lands,  from  East  to  West, 
I sing  one  stranger  than  the  rest : 

The  sun  finds  not  in  all  his  round, 
The  winds  within  their  ample  bound. 
Nor  yet  the  peeping  starry  band, 

A place  more  strange  than  Fogyland. 

The  sun  arises  in  the  west. 

And  slowly  creeps  to  find  his  rest ; 
While  feebly  dart  his  leaden  rays 
Through  an  eternal  veil  of  haze : 

O 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


87 


The  God  who  made  it  never  planned 
For  sunshine  bright  in  Fogy  land. 

No  flowers  grow,  no  gay  birds  sing, 
But  doleful  bells  are  heard  to  ring  ; 
The  lambkins  never  dare  to  play. 

The  parroquets  are  taught  to  pray ; 

For  piety  is  in  demand 

With  all  who  live  in  Fogyland. 

No  sap  on  Sundays  mounts  the  trees ; 
Within  their  hives  sit  moping  bees ; 

The  whistling  winds  are  fast  asleep, 

% 

And  silence  reigns  o’er  all  the  deep  ; 
No  wave  dares  dash  upon  the  strand 
When  Sunday  comes  to  Fogyland. 

What  people  dwell  within  the  place ! 
A rueful,  woeful,  groaning  race  : 

All  pleasure  is  a deadly  sin ; 

Of  him  who  dares  to  walk  therein. 
The  Devil  waits  to  take  the  hand. 

So  say  the  folks  of  Fogyland. 

They  ever  mourn  the  golden  past. 
Their  eyes  upon  its  glories  cast ; 

The  .present  publicly  deplore. 

And  what  the  future  has  in  store  : 


4 


C8 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  past  alone  was  good  and  grand,  — 

So  sa}^  the  folks  of  Fogyland. 

A myriad  priests  within  it  dwell, 

Wlio  preach  an  awfid,  endless  hell ; 

A Devil,  master  of  the  place. 

Who  takes  three-fourths  ^of  all  the  race  : 
Their  god  cannot  his  arts  withstand. 

And  he  is  king  of  Fogyland. 

If  j'O  would  feel  the  glow  of  youtli ; 

If  ye  would  see  the  sun  of  Truth, 

A joy  receive  all  joys  transcends. 

Then  break  your  bonds,  and  leave,  my  friends. 
To  owls  and  bats  — night-loving  band  — 

O O 

The  gloomy  vales  of  Fogyland. 


HURL  THEM  DOWN. 

When  presidents  heed  not  the  popular  will. 

And  senators  care  but  their  pockets  to  fill ; 

When  law-makers  are  but  blind  partisan  hacks. 
Who  care  for  a man  just  the  sum  of  his  tax : 
Though  nations  may  ring  with  their  lordly  renown. 
Their  villanies  sentence  them,  — hurl  them  down  ! 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


39 


Though  palaces  rise,  if  the  king  only  nod, 

And  ignorant  multitudes  think  him  a god : 

The  time  has  gone  by  for  such  fanfaronade. 
Henceforth,  let  him  work  at  some  man-blessing 
trade ; 

A king  is  but  civilization’s  old  clown, 

A clog  to  humanity,  — hurl  him  down. 

Proud  priests  of  the  ‘‘  bloody  faith,”  dealers  in 
lies. 

You’ve  blasted  the  green  earth,  and  darkened  the 
skies. 

Created  the  Devil,  and  made  for  us  hell : 

The  people  are  rising,  they’ve  cast  off  your  spell ; 
And  Justice  exclaims  with  an  ominous  frown, 
‘‘Too  long  have  ye  bowed  to  them, — hurl  them 
down.” 

“ Great  God  ” of  the  orthodox,  cruel  and  grim. 
The  Devil  an  angel  compared  unto  him. 

The  jailer  of  hell,  as  relentless  as  fate. 

Eternity  cannot  his  cruelty  sate  : 

The  Lord,  or  Jehovah  of  Jewish  renown. 
Humanity  rises,  and  hurls  him  down  I 


40 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


MAN. 

Man  is  more  than  house  or  town, 
iMore  than  palace,  temple,  crown  ; 

More  than  all  the  sage’s  lore, 

Counted  Wisdom’s  precious  store  ; 

More  than  telescope  has  seen. 

More  than  all  that  man  has  been  ; 

More  than  Bible,  world-adored : 

Man’s  a greater  name  tlian  Lord. 

For  him  the  fiery,  primal  globe. 

With  moon-high  flames,  its  golden  robe  ; 

For  him  the  elemental  strife. 

And  peace  that  brought  the  dawn  of  life. 
Which  broke  through  fogs  and  clouds  its  way. 
Till  ages  brought  that  radiant  da}-. 

In  which  man  ripened  on  Life’s  tree. 

Whose  roots  o’er  spread  the  Cambrian  sea. 

Jehovah  bows  before  man’s  name. 

And  Jesus  has  no  higher  claim  ; 

No  God  to  whom  men  bend  the  knee. 

So  good  or  great  as  he  shall  be : 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


41 


Within  his  comprehensive  soul, 
The  planets  of  all  systems  roll ; 
And  in  him  lies  the  boundless  sea, 
Whose  islands  are  the  nebulae. 


WHAT  I ASK  FOR. 

I ASK  not.  Nabobs,  for  your  halls. 
Your  coffers,  or  your  state  ; 

I ask  not  for  the  menials. 

That  at  your  pleasure  wait ; 

I ask  not  for  the  cringing  bows. 

That  fawning  spaniels  give, 

Whose  servile  spirits  never  knew 
The  aim  for  which  I live. 

I ask  but  for  my  share  of  land. 

With  honest  hands  to  till. 

Supplying  thus  my  daily  needs. 
Frown  Fortune  as  she  will ; 

Give  me  but  this,  Fll  gain  all  else,  — 
Contented,  healthy,  free  ; 

Then  Nature’s  ministers  are  mine. 
And  all  her  wealth  for  me. 


42 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


I WOULD  NOT  BE  A KING. 

I WOULD  not  be  an  idle  king,  to  sit  upon  a throne, 

And  sway  a golden  sceptre  o’er  a nation  all  1113^ 
own  ; 

To  be  the  people’s  idol,  ever  worshipped  by  the 
throng. 

With  flattering  incense  to  be  served,  and  merce- 
nary song ; 

To  be  the  env}"  of  the  rich,  and  wonder  of  the 
poor  : 

A situation  that  would  be  I never  could  endure. 

To  live  on  choicest  dainties  that  the  kitchen  can 
produce  ; 

To  quaff  from  golden  chalices  the  grape’s  ferment- 
ed juice ; 

To  see  a thousand  at  my  beck,  ten  thousand  at  1113^ 
nod. 

Low  bend  the  knee  in  homage,  and  protest  I am  a 
god: 

Though  this  to-morrow  could  be  mine,  and  earth 
m}^  praises  sing, 

I’d  rather  be  a working-man  than  any  idle  king. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


43 


To  ride  within  a chariot  before  the  gaping  crowd, 

And  hear  the*  shout,  God  save  the  king  ! ” repeat- 
ed oft  and  loud  ; 

My  smile  to  make  a nation  smile,  my  frown  to  make 
it  sad  ; 

And  every  thing  that  kings  may  have  to  make  my 
spirits  glad,  — 

No  : take  your  trappings  all  away  ; for  I can  truly 
sing, 

Fd  rather  be  an  honest  man ; I would  not  be  a king. 

The  sceptre  is  a bauble ; it  might  do  for  boys  at 
play: 

A man  of  dignit}^  would  throw  the  childish  thing 
away. 

The  crown  is  but  a dunce’s  cap,  that  silly  people 
wear ; 

And  home-made  bread  is  quite  as  good  as  any 
kingly  fare. 

Then  I Avould  not  exchange  my  lot ; such  toys  away 
I fling  ; 

Fd  rather  be  just  what  I am ; I would  not  be  a king. 

The  multitude  that  bow  to  him  are  only  fools  or 
knaves ; 

And  those  who  guard  his  person  but  a host  of 
armed  slaves : 


44 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


And  though  they  worship  him  to-day,  to-morrow, 
for  a groat. 

They’d  throw  away  their  loyalty,  and  cut  his  king- 
ly throat  : 

For  it  is  to  the  office,  not  the  man,  they  homage 
pay; 

They’d  kneel  unto  a beggar  were  he  made  a king 
to-day. 

If  kings  would  rule  their  mighty  selves,  they’d 
have  enough  to  do  ; 

To  put  their  families  right,  I fear,  were  more  than 
they’d  get  through  : 

Let  each  one  mind  his  business,  then,  and  wipe  his 
troubled  brow  : 

The  people  find  that  they  can  walk  without  assist- 
ance now  : 

The  drowsy  earth  has  waked  at  last,  and  learned 
one  useful  thing,  — 

That  men  can  rule  themselves,  without  a fellow 
called  a king. 

For  kings  are  only  paupers,  who  are  by  the  nations 
fed  ; 

And,  were  the  people  wiser,  they  should  labor  for 
their  bread. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


45 


We  need  no  kings  to  reign  o’er  us ; we  can  do  well 
without ; 

And  if  we  could  but  have  our  wish,  we’d  send 
them  right  about : ’ 

Each  man  should  reign  in  righteousness,  and  rule 
o’er  his  own  heart  ; 

And  kings  and  all  their  trumpery  should  evermore 
depart. 


THE  ADVENT  OF  FREEDOM. 

’Twas  summer  eve  : the  soft  wind  rocked  to  sleep 
the  nodding  flowers. 

While  busy  insects  sang  their  loves  within  the 
arching  bowers  : 

I wandered  forth  from  man’s  hot  town ; ’twas 
heaven  on  earth  to  me. 

To  lie  upon  the  fragrant  grass,  beneath  the  spread- 
ing tree. 

As  sank  the  sun  in  glory  down  behind  the  crimson 
west. 

Arose,  upon  my  fading  sight,  the  star  of  evening, 
blest  ; 


4G  RADICAL  RHYMES, 

And  lo  ! enlarging  as  I looked,  it  seemed  a golden 
crown 

Upon  an  angel’s  head  upborne,  who  thus  came  fly- 
ing down  : 

She  cast  a glance  that  thrilled  me,  as  beneath  the 
tree  I lay  ; 

Unwittingly  I followed,  as  she  gently  led  the 
way. 


She  lifted  up  a cottage-latch  ; how  pleasantly  she 
smiled. 

And  shook  the  peasant’s  horny  liand,  and  kissed 
his  ruddy  child  ! 

My  blessing  on  ye,  breathers  of  the  fresh,  free, 
country  air. 

Be  manly  and  be  bold,”  said  she  ; be  bold  to  do 
and  dare  : 

Though  tyrant  knaves  may  rivet  chains,  your  toil 
shall  give  you  strength  ; 

And  ev’ry  fetter  shall  ye  tread  beneath  your  feet 
at  length.” 

She  visited  the  city  ; but  she  left  the  gay  and 
proud. 

And  sought  a little  attic,  all  unnoticed  by  the 
crowd. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


47 


Where  sat  a youth  whose  sparkling  eyes  revealed 
the  inward  fire, 

Which,  kindled  in  the  bosom  once,  can  never  more 
expire. 

She  laid  her  hand  upon  his  brow,  ‘‘  Go  forth,  my 
son,”  said  she : 

I make  thee  Captain  of  the  hosts  that  fight  for 
Liberty.” 

She  passed  a gloomy  prison,  and  her  face  put  on  a 
frown ; 

The  rusty  bars  of  iron  at  her  presence  melted 
down  ; 

The  treble-bolted  doors  flew  back  that  closed  the 
gloomy  cell. 

Out  sprang  the  trembling  prisoner,  a man,  with 
men  to  dwell ; 

Her  eye  beheld  the  gallows,  and  it  rotted  to  the 
ground. 

While  crowds  of  legal  murd’rers  in  amazement 
looked  around. 

She  spread  her  pinions  for  the  South  : the  bond- 
man  raised  his  head  ; 

For  though  his  manhood  bleeding  lay,  Hope,  linger- 
ing, had  not  fled : 


48 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  planter  saw,  and  drew  his  knife,  with  fury  in 
his  eye. 

And  swore,  with  fearful  oaths,  that  he  would  hold 
his  slave  or  die  : . 

A shadow  crossed  her  blooming  face  ; she  left  the 
land  of  thrall, 

AVhere  bondmen  find  their  sweetest  drink  is  bit- 
terer than  gall. 

‘‘  The  Church  will  gladly  aid  me  now,  no  doubt,” 
the  angel  said  ; 

And  tliither,  on  her  pinions  swift,  the  blest  deliv- 
erer fied  : 

’Twas  sabbath,  and  the  priest  beheld  her  coming 
to  the  place ; 

He  closed  tlie  door,  and  hastened  forth,  and  cursed 
her  to  her  face  : 

Be  gone,”  he  said,  ‘-why  thus  disturb  our  church’s 
holy  rest  ? 

Thou  breeder  of  continual  strife,  we  can  have  no 
such  guest ; 

Then  banned  her  from  the  holy  book,”  Base 
hell-born  wretch,”  said  he, 

God  dwells  within  our  walls  ; we  have  no  room 
for  Liberty.” 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


49 


Indignantly  I heard  him  speak,  I felt  my  brain  on 
fire  ; 

“ Base  utterer  of  pious  lies,”  I shouted  in  my  ire  : 

But  Freedom  turned,  as  thus  I sj)oke,  with  chiding 
look  to  me  ; 

I started,  it  Avas  night  profound,  I lay  beneath  the 
tree  ; 

Night’s  crescent  fires  were  blazing  bright,  and  in 
their  starry  gleam 

I Avandered  home  to  ponder  on  the  meaning  of  my 
dream. 


DO  EIGHT. 

’Tis  wisest  and  best  at  all  times  to  do  right. 

In  brightness  of  sunshine,  or  darkness  of  night  ; 
For  sorrow  and  Avoe  are  companions  of  Sin, 

When  Virtue  Avalks  out,  they  fly  readily  in ; 

No  rest  is  there  henceforth,  by  day  or  by  night. 
For  him  Avho  has  Avandered  away  from  the  Riglit. 

Do  right,  in  each  heart  says  a sweet  angel  voice  ; 
Obey,  and  in  soitoav  you  still  may  rejoice  ; 

A rill,  in  your  wandhings,  Avill  always  be  nigh. 
And  there  you  may  drink  Avhen  the  fountains  are 
dry; 

5 


50 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


For  Joy,  like  an  angel,  is  ever  in  sight. 

To  bless  with  her  presence  the  doer  of  Right. 

Do  right,  though  the  wrong  may  seem  pleasant  and 
good : 

Though  right  may  seem  hard,  it  is  well  that  it 
should ; 

The  harder  the  right  is,  the  sweeter  ’twill  be. 

To  know  Ave  have  conquered,  and  henceforth,  are 
free  ; 

The  glorious  warrior,  boldest  in  fight. 

Is  he,  Avho  in  trial,  abides  by  the  Right. 

For  him  sing  the  birds,  aye,  their  merriest  tune  ; 
For  him  spring  the  fiowers  in  April  and  June ; 

For  him  opens  Morning  the  gates  of  the  day  ; 

For  him,  Avalks  the  INIoon  on  her  star-lighted  Avay ; 
The  fingers  of  Sorrow  are  never  so  light. 

As  when  they  are  laid  on  the  doer  of  Right. 

Do  rmht,  though  a crowd  of  mean  cowards  do 

O ■ o 

Avrong ; 

A child,  in  the  right,  is  as  Hercules,  strong : 

The  patliAvay  is  steep,  and  few  trav’lers  are  there; 
The  prospect,  hoAV  pleasant ! how  balmy  the  air  ! 
Then  up,  like  the  eagle  that  soars  in  his  flight ; 
Heaven’s  mansions  are  built  on  the  mountain  of 
Right. 


UADICAL  RHYMES. 


51 


DEDICATED  TO  CxRUMBLERS. 

’Tis  true,  the  Avorld  is  very  bad, 

No  mortal  soul  can  blink  it ; 

But  then,  it’s  not  so  deadly  vile 
As  some  fault-finders  think  it. 

All  poor  men  are  not  whining  knaves. 
Nor  robbers  all  our  rich  men  : 

Reformers,  clearing  off  the  track, 

Be  careful  where  you  pitch  men  ! 

All  parsons  are  not  crafty  priests. 

Proud,  lying,  base  deceivers,  — 

Guides,  who  for  pay,  lead  far  astray 
Their  band  of  firm  believers. 

All  lawyers  are  not  gabbling  rogues. 
Intent  alone  on  plunder. 

Who,  for  a dollar,  scale  the  mount 
Of  Jove,  and  steal  his  thunder. 

Our  legislative  halls  are  not 
Sodoins  without  a Lot  in  ; 

Though  you  will  find,  of  members  there. 
Few  groups  without  a sot  in. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  mass  so  vile,  at  Washington, 

The  Devil  finds  no  fault  in, 

Would  drop  asunder,  were  it  not 
That  there’s  a pinch  of  salt  in. 

No  doubt,  dark  sliadows  cross  the  earth. 
Scarce  liven’d  by  a stray  light ; 

But  liow  is  it,  these  sliades  are  seen  ? 
We  live  in  Virtue’s  daylight. 

The  deeds  at  which  our  fathers  smiled. 
Nor  thought  a man  the  worse  for. 

We  look  upon  with  deep  disgust. 

And  give  our  direst  curse  for. 

The  world  is  but  a school-boy  yet. 

Its  daily  lesson  learning  ; 

Its  teacher  Life,  to  make  it  wise 
New  pages  ever  turning. 

Then  cease  this  everlasting  growl : 

Be  gentle,  kind,  and  tender ; 

And,  since  the  world  is  bad,  let’s  join 
And  do  our  best  to  mend  her. 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


53 


THE  REAL  AND  THE  IDEAL. 

Ever  there  floats  before  the  real, 

The  bright  and  beautiful  ideal ; 

And,  as  to  guide  the  sculptor’s  hand. 
The  living  forms  of  beauty  stand. 

Till  from  the  rough-hewn  marble  starts 
A thing  of  grace  in  all  its  parts : 

So  ever  stands  before  the  soul 
A model,  beautiful  and  whole,  — 

The  perfect  man  that  each  should  be. 
Erect  in  true  integrity. 

Keep  this,  O soul ! before  thy  sight. 
And  form  the  inward  man  aright. 


THE  ONCOMING  EDEN  OF  GLORY. 

We  travel  not  back  for  the  Eden  of  old. 
Bright  garden  so  famous  in  stoiy. 

But  forward,  to  gain  with  the  noble  and  bold 
The  oncoming  Eden  of  Glory. 

5* 


54 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Its  gates  are  aye  open,  and  no  cherub  stands 
To  guard  with  a flame-sword  its  portals ; 

But  angelic  bands  are  outstretching  their  hands 
To  welcome  home  timorous  mortals. 

On  low  bending  trees  hang  ambrosial  fruits, 

’Mid  leaves  for  the  sick  nations  healing  ; 

And  paradise  birds,  breathing  music  like  lutes. 
Are  heavenly  secrets  revealing. 

There  famishing  spirits  unfed  by  a crumb. 

Who  secretly  pine  in  their  sorrow. 

Shall  banquet  with  gods  in  that  Eden  to  come, 
Unhaunted  by  thoughts  of  to-morrow. 

The  weaiy  soul  there  on  a flowery  bank  lies  ; 
Peace,  henceforth  he  claims  for  a mother; 

The  sleep  of  a baby  steals  over  his  eyes. 

And  angels  think  dreams  for  their  brother. 

The  down-trodden  felon,  forsaken  and  sad. 

Love-strengthened,  scales  boldly  the  mountain  ; 

He  bathes  in  the  streams  that  the  weary  make  glad 
And  quenches  his  thirst  at  the  fountain. 

The  sin-clouds  unroll  from  his  purified  soul. 

As  mists  from  the  brow  of  the  morning  ; 

The  unsullied  spirit,  resplendent  and  whole, 
Shines  forth  in  its  native  adorning. 


RADICAL  PJIYMES, 


55 


There  Love,  like  the  sun,  sheds  his  beams  upon  all, 
And  soul-buds  expand  into  flowers  ; 

Spring  brightens  to  summer,  but  winter  and  fall 
Breathe  not  on  its  amaranth  bowers. 

We  travel  not  back,  then,  for  Eden  of  old. 

Bright  garden  so  famous  in  stoiy ; 

But  forward,  to  gain,  with  the  noble  and  bold, 
This  oncoming  Eden  of  Glory. 


THOUGHTS. 

Thoughts,  gentle  thoughts,  are  springing  like  the 
flowers  in  smiling  May  ; 

Bright  earth-stars,  fair  and  golden,  with  a blessing 
in  each  ray. 

They  gladden  childhood  in  its  dance  along  Life’s 
verdant  lanes. 

And  soothe  the  5^ears  of  manhood  in  its  time  of 
toils  and  pains : 

No  desert  soul  so  barren,  but  they  beautify  the 
spot ; 

And,  where  they  fail  to  germinate,  there  God  him- 
self is  not. 


56 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Thoughts,  holy  thoughts,  like  stars  arise,  when 
night  enwraps  the  soul  ; 

Or  beacon  lights  above  the  sea,  when  waves  of 
sorrow  roll. 

They  are  sweet  earth-born  angels,  forever  at  our 
side. 

Who  close  the  door  on  vanity,  and  shut  out  lust 
and  pride  ; 

To  ev’ry  soul  of  earth,  they  give  a seraph’s  burning 
wings. 

And  far  above  the  gates  of  morn,  she  soars  aloft 
and  sings. 

Thoughts,  dreadful  thoughts,  at  midnight  come, 
the  soul  a drifting  wreck  ; 

Their  hurried  footsteps  pacing  up  and  down  the 
sounding  deck  : 

When  dark  misdeeds  within  the  hold,  weigh  down 
the  ship  like  lead, — 

The  creaking  timbers  groaning  like  the  ghosts  of 
troubled  dead. 

While  gaping  waves  around  it  for  possession  seem 
to  fight ; 

From  thoughts  like  these,  God  save  usj  in  the 
lonely  hour  of  night ! 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


57 


Thoughts  come  like  Spanish  galleons,  with  treasures 
o’er  the  sea, 

With  richest  jewels  freighted  ; priceless  presents 
■^or  the  free : 

Each  soul  is  on  the  tip-toe,  when  their  gallants 
touch  the  sky  ; 

And  hearts  Avith  high  hopes  laden  greet  those 
vessels  drawing^  niHi. 

Each  noble  ship  be  favored,  then,  its  destined  port 
to  Avin  ; 

And  Heaven’s  breath  safe  waft  it,  Avith  its  precious 
cargo  in. 

Thoughts  come  like^  blazing  comets,  ’thwart  the 
gloomy  evening  sky. 

And  Avonder-stricken  millions  look  with  terror  up 
on  high : 

They  dread  lest  every  fabric  on  this  solid  earth 
should  fall ; 

Lest  comet  so  portentous  should  destroy  and  ruin 
all. 

But  bold  thoughts  have  their  orbit,  all  eccentric 
though  they  look ; 

No  Avaver  in  their  burning  track,  uiiAvritten  in  the 
book. 


58 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Thoughts  come  like  avalanches  from  the  lofty 
mountain  brow : 

The  cedars,  firm  and  mighty,  with  their  sturdy 
branches  bow ; 

The  rocky,  moss-grown  castles  fall,  no  turret  left 
unthrown ; 

While  loud  above  the  thundering  comes  Super- 
stition’s groan  : 

All  hoary-headed  wrongs  are  swept,  like  feathers 
on  the  blast, 

Into  Oblivion’s  deepest  gulf,  where  sleeps  the 
worn-out  past.” 

Thoughts  come  like  shocks*  electric,  from  the  bat- 
tery of  truth. 

To  start  the  palsied  nerves  of  age,  and  fire  the 
pulse  of  youth  : 

They  Avake  to  action  virtues  that  have  long  been 
left  to  sleep. 

And  stir  the  soul’s  calm  fountain  to  its  silent, 
slumbering  deep  ; 

They  blast  each  growing  error  with  their  deadly 
lightning  stroke. 

And  leave  its  stricken  carcass  like  a rifted  moun- 
tain oak. 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


59 


Thoughts  yoke  themselves  like  fiery  steeds,  and 
drag  the  world  along : 

Woe  to  the  stumbling-blocks  that  would  its  onward 
march  prolong  ! 

Vain:  tyrants,  despots,  slaveocrats,  its  course  ye 
cannot  stay  ! 

Resistless  as  the  Universe,  it  moves  upon  its  way. 

Dash  on,  brave  Thoughts,  in  storm  or  shine,  in 
day,  or  darkest  night ! 

The  goal  we’re  destined  yet  to  reach  is  Love  and 
Truth  and  Right. 


THE  FUTURE  DAY. 

The  dawn  of  the  glorious  day  is  here. 

Foretold  by  the  voice  of  the  ancient  seer  ; 

That  far  down  the  vista  of  future  years. 
Through  gathering  clouds  to  his  soul  appears  ; 
And  Hope,  with  a joyous  tone,  sweetly  sings 
Its  glories,  till  earth  with  her  music  rings  : 

That  day  when  lost  Eden  shall  be  restored  ; 

The  universe  bow  to  its  rightful  Lord ; 

When  Mercy  shall  drop  from  the  beaming  skies. 
And  men  shall  be  holy  and  truly  wise  ; 


GO 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


For  Joy  shall  enliven  the  fleeting  hours, 

And  Love  shall  encircle  the  earth  with  flow’rs, 
And  beauty  shall  spring  up  on  every  side, 

To  fill  with  its  glory  the  green  earth  wide  ; 

When  concord  the  wounds  of  the  world  shall  bind, 
And  man  shall  a brother  in  each  man  find  ; 

The  chain  of  the  felon  shall  melt  in  twain. 

And  sorrow  disperse  like  the  falling  rain  ; 

AVhen  war  and  its  thunders  forever  shall  cease. 
And  heaven  shall  echo  an  anthem  of  peace  ; 

When  truth,  as  the  sun  in  his  might,  shall  shine. 
And  gladden  each  soul  with  a light  divine,  — 
Error  shall  flee,  like  a night-bird,  away. 

And  nought  dim  the  lustre  of  that  bright  day. 


LIBERTY’S  STAR. 

When  Liberty’s  dream  haunts  the  sleep  of  the 
slave. 

And  angels  are  whispering,  ‘‘  Brother,  be  brave  ; ” 
When,  daring  the  weight  of  the  slaveholder’s  ban, 
He  flees  to  obtain  all  the  rights  of  a man,  — 

How  gladly  thy  beams  greet  his  sight  from  afar  ! 
His  growing  soul  leaps  to  see  Liberty’s  star. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


61 


The  bloodhound  is  baying,  a wolf ’s  on  his  track : 

‘‘  Ho  ! dead  or  alive,  bring  the  fugitive  back.” 

He  sinks  to  the  earth ; he  is  ready  to  die  ; [eye  : 
But,  bright  from  the  heavens,  thy  beam  greets  his 
New  life  fills  his  veins,  and  his  foes  are  afar  ! 

With  tears  he  thanks  God  for  thee.  Liberty’s  star. 

The  cross  of  the  South  may  be  fair  to  the  eye ; 

The  milky  way’s  gems  may  bespangle  the  sky  ; 
The  comet  may  range  through  the  heavens,  and 
light, 

With  glorious  train,  half  the  circle  of  night : 

But  steadier,  better,  and  brighter,  by  far. 

Is  the  hope  of  the  fugitive.  Liberty’s  star. 


APPEAL  TO  AMERICA. 

Freedom’s  proud  daughter,  why 
Hug  slavery  to  thy  breast  ? 
Let  the  foul  reptile  die  : 

So  may  thy  land  have  rest. 

Wash  from  thy  country’s  page 
The  dark,  accursed  blot ; 

Let  not  another  age 

Behold  the  damning  spot. 


6 


62 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Stand  in  yonr  strength,  O men  ! 

Bow  to  the  wrong  no  more  ; 
Free  this  fair  land  again, 

As  ye  have  done  before. 

Rise  in  your  might  divine  ; 

Be  every  dark  cloud  furled : 
America  shall  shine. 

The  pole-star  of  the  world. 


ANTHEM  OF  THE  FREE. 

There’s  a song  the  rills  are  singing. 

As  they  ramble  through  the  glen  ; 
Echoes  from  the  hills  are  rolling 
Their  sweet  voices  back  again  : 
There’s  a hymn  the  birds  are  chanting. 

As  they  flit  from  tree  to  tree  ; 
Nature  loves  its  jo3^ous  music,  — 

’T  is  the  anthem  of  the  free. 

Roll  the  wild  waves  to  its  numbers. 

As  the  free  winds  o’er  them  sweep  ; 
Gambol  gayly  in  its  spirit. 

All  the  tenants  of  the  deep  : 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


63 


To  its  notes  the  bees  are  humming, 
Working  on  the  verdant  lea  ; 
Everywhere  is  Nature  ringing 
With  the  anthem  of  the  free. 

Start,  we  then,  from  death-like  slumber. 
As  its  heart-tones  reach  the  ear ; 
Spring  to  life,  resolves  long  lying 
In  our  bosoms,  cold  and  sear  : 
Henceforth  we  are  slaves  no  longer ; 

Up,  on  unchained  pinions  flee  ! 

Swell  the  everlasting  chorus, 

God’s  sweet  anthem  of  the  free. 


MY  DRINK. 

I DRINK  of  the  liquor  the  red  rose  sips. 

That  never  puts  poison  to  her  sweet  lips  ; 
Whose  cheek  is  as  fair  as  the  light  of  morn, 

Or  cloudlets  of  crimson  that  eve  adorn  ; 

Her  odorous  breath  scents  the  morning  air,  — 
A blessing  the  poorest  may  freely  share : 

The  queen  of  the  flowers,  in  smiling  May, 
Drinks  water,  but  water,  the  live-long  day. 


64 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


I drink  of  the  liquor  the  eagle  seeks, 

That  sweeps  from  his  home  ’mong  the  mountain 
peaks, 

And  joyfully  drinks  of  the  brimming  cup 
Whose  waters  forever  are  welling  up  ; 

Then  screaming  his  joy,  on  proud  pinions  borne, 
He  rises  to  welcome  the  coming  morn  : 

Would  you,  like  the  eagle,  be  strong  and  free  ? 
Drink  water,  pure  water,  with  him  and  me. 

I drink  of  the  liquor  the  heavens  distil. 

That  drops  till  the  thirsty  earth  swallows  its  fill  ; 
That  brightens  tlie  meadow,  bids  flowers  disclose. 
And  lies  like  a gem  in  the  heart  of  the  rose ; 

It  strengtliens  the  heart  of  the  towering  pine  ; 

It  flows  through  the  veins  of  the  generous  vine : 
The  drink  of  all  Nature,  it  cannot  but  be 
The  best  of  all  liquors  for  thee  and  for  me. 

I drink  of  the  liquor  that  flows  in  the  rill ; 

That  leaps,  in  its  joy,  from  the  snow-covered  hill ; 
That  gladdens  the  flowers,  and  strengthens  the 
trees ; 

Whose  praises  are  sung  by  the  birds  and  the  bees  ; 
There’s  joy  in  its  music,  and  health  in  its  flow. 
And  bliss  the  intemperate  never  can  know. 


HADICAL  RHYMES. 


65 


Drink  water  then,  brothers,  — drink  water  with 
me,  — 

“ The  drink  of  the  wise,  and  the  wine  of  the 
free.” 


THE  SOUL’S  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

My  youthful  days  were  days  of  joy,  — of  free  and 
careless  mirth ; 

And  heaven  seemed  as  true  to  me  as  ever  did  the 
earth : 

The  Land  of  Promise  ” lay  before  my  bright, 
unclouded  eye ; 

I longed  for  wings,  that  I might  to  its  vernal  bow- 
ers fly. 

But  dark  days  came,  of  fear  and  doubt ; my  soul’s 
bright  hopes  lay  dead ; 

And,  as  the  early  morning  dew,  my  beauteous 
visions  fled : 

Like  mountains,  unbelief  rose  up,  and  shut  out 
heaven’s  blue  sky  ; 

And  to  my  soul  a harsh  voice  said,  ‘‘  Thou,  too,  art 
born  to  die.” 


6* 


66 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


I was  upon  the  ocean  launched ; dark,  stormy  was 
the  night ; 

And  not  a star  put  forth  a ray  to  bless  my  aching 
sight ; 

My  anchor  lost,  the  wild  winds  swept  me  unre- 
sisting on  ; 

And  o’er  my  bark  despairing  waves  rolled  ever 
and  anon. 

But  lo ! the  morning  star  of  Hope  arises  in  the 

sky, 

And  back  the  darkly  gathering  clouds  before  her 
presence  fly  : 

My  youthful  heaven  comes  back  to  me,  still  brighter 
than  before ; 

And,  plainly  as  the  fields  of  earth,  I see  the  golden 
shore. 

Sweet  voices  from  the  Spirit-Land  are  whispering 
in  my  ear  : 

They  bid  me  Avalk  the  path  of  Right,  and  banish 
ev’ry  fear ; 

They  warble  to  me  joyous  strains,  brought  from 
the  choirs  above  ; 

The  ‘‘  vale  of  tears  ” becomes  to  me  a paradise  of 
love. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


67 


“ Our  Father’s  mansion  ” stands  before  my  soul’s 
enraptured  sight ; 

I see  bright  spirits  walk  the  fields  of  everlasting 
light : 

And  though  these  visions  pass  away, — these  angel 
forms  depart, 

I will  rejoice  ; for  heaven  has  left  its  impress  on  my 
heart. 


COMFORT  FOR  THE  MOURNER. 

There  is  a garden  where  evermore  bloom 
The  flowers  of  beauty,  that  vanish  below : 

They  scent  the  glad  air  with  a precious  perfume. 
As  they  burst  in  eternity’s  glow. 

Then  banish  our  sorrow,  let  grief  die  away ; 

Our  father  transplants  the  sweet  flowers  he 
gave 

To  heaven’s  bright  garden:  this  life  is  the  waj^. 
And  its  gate  is  the  desolate  grave. 

There  is  a world  Avhere  there  breathes  not  a blight. 
And  joy  chases  every  shadow  of  woe  ; 

There  ring  on  the  ear  the  sweet  songs  of  delight. 
More  melodious  than  any  below ; 


68 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


And  Peace,  gentle  Peace,  sways  her  sceptre  of 
love. 

While  round  her  pure  throne  all  the  bright 
angels  fly  : 

But  oh  ! that  blest  haven  lies  far,  far  above  ; 

And  to  reach  it  the  body  must  die. 

There  is  a place  wliere  departed  souls  dwell ; 

The  home  of  our  Father : how  pleasant  and  fair! 

His  children  all  meet  round  the  board,  and  they 
swell 

Through  the  mansion  a heavenly  air. 

How  happy  are  they  I not  a sorrowing  one  ; 

But  love,  like  the  sunlight,  shall  scatter  the 
gloom : 

Then,  weep  not  in  sorrow  for  those  who  are  gone ; 

For  the  door  of  that  home  is  the  tomb. 


MY  LAMB. 

I HAD  a Lamb,  from  our  Father’s  fold. 

More  dear  to  me  than  the  finest  gold; 

Its  fleece  was  whiter  than  driven  snow. 

And  pure  as  streams  from  th^  mountain  flow , 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


69 


Its  eye  was  clear  as  the  gllst’ning  dew, 

Where  love  looked  out  at  those  windows  blue  : 
And  I was  happy  as  man  could  be, 

Whene’er  those  starry  eyes  beamed  on  me. 

We  roamed  together  at  morning’s  dawn. 

With  glad  steps  over  the  jewelled  lawn ; 

We  crossed  the  valleys,  and  climbed  the  hills. 
And  drank  with  birds  at  the  crystal  rills : 

The  earth  Avas  greener,  more  bright  the  sky. 
Fairer  all  things,  Avhen  that  Lamb  was  nigh. 


At  eve,  Avhen  Aveary  Ave  sank  to  rest. 

Its  head  AA^as  pilloAved  upon  my  breast  ; 

’T  Avas  then  I heard  the  celestial  song  : 

Of  heaven  my  dreams  Avere  the  blest  night  long  ; 
For  angels  guarded  my  Lamb  and  me. 

And  filled  the  night  Avith  their  melody. 

But  veiled  in  gloom  Avere  my  glad  dreams,  Avhen 
Our  Father  sent  for  his  Lamb  again. 

I stroA^e  to  keep  her ; but  Death  said,  No: 

The  Shepherd  calls,  and  the  Lamb  must  go  ! 

But  though  I take  her,  it  is  in  love ; 

She  goes  to  feed  Avith  the  flocks  above. 


70 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  pastures  there  are  forever  green, 

And  streams  unfailing  flow  on  between ; 

There  dwells  the  Shepherd,  whose  name  is  Love, 
Around  him  gathering  the  blest  above. 

“ Then  sorrow  not  for  the  dear  one  dead : ” 

’T  was  thus  the  spirit  deliverer  said  ; 

And  Hope  with  angel  voice  whispered  then, 
Weep  not : thy  Lamb  thou  wilt  And  again  ! ” 


A PSALM  OF  THE  PRESENT. 

Tell  me  not  that  inspiration 

Died  with  Jewish  bard  and  seer; 

That  the  present  generation 
Only  finds  its  mournful  bier. 

Tell  me  not  the  Past,  so  cheerful. 

Reaped  when  Truth  was  in  her  prime  ; 

But  the  Present,  sad  and  tearful. 

Gleans  the  fields  of  olden  time. 

Tell  me  not  that  heaven’s  portals 
Closed  when  Science  had  her  birth ; 

And,  since  then,  the  fair  immortals 
Have  not  visited  the  earth : 


BADICAL  RHYMES, 


That  the  ever-loving  angels 

Ceased  their  songs  long,  long  ago, 

And  they  herald  sweet  evangels 
Nevermore  to  those  below ; 

For  the  fount  of  life,  supernal. 

Feeds  unnumbered  earthly  springs ; 

And  the  joys  that  are  eternal. 

To  the  waiting  spirit  brings. 

Come  to  us  the  friends  who  vanished, — 
Left  us  weeping  on  the  shore  ; 

Eden’s  garden  find  the  banished, 

Eat,  and  live  forevermore. 

Manhood’s  vanguard  scales  the  mountain, 
Heaven  opens  to  their  view : 

Weary  trav’lers,  by  the  fountain. 

Up  ! and  gird  yourselves  anew. 


Build  your  churches  ! they  are  ours, 
By  a law  ye  have  not  known  ; 

Raise  your  steeples,  flank  your  towers ! 
Truth  shall  claim  them  for  her  own. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


]\Iarble,  be  the  solid  walls, 

Granite,  the  foundation-stone ; 
Error,  build  thy  princely  halls ! 

Truth  shall  claim  them  for  her  own. 


FUTURE  LIFE. 

Shall  trees  live  for  ages,  and  garnish  the  ground. 
In  verdure  and  beauty  and  gladness  abound? 

Shall  they  enjoy  life  for  a thousand  long  years. 
Unburdened  with  sorrows,  untroubled  by  fears? 
And  yet  man,  the  noblest  of  earth,  sea,  and  skies, 
The  upright,  the  thoughtful,  the  God-like  and  wise. 
Shall  he,  like  a flower,  but  live  for  a day. 

Unfold  like  a rose,  and  then  wither  away  ? 

Or  dance,  like  a bubble,  a while  on  the  wave. 
Look  joyous  a moment,  then  sink  in  the  grave  ? 
Oh,  no  ! for  Eternity  calls  him  her  son: 

His  circuit  of  glory  he  ever  shall  run ; 

The  heavens  present  him  their  infinite  store  ; 

The  years  of  the  Highest  are  his  evermore. 
Released  from  the  clay,  the  immortal  shall  rise. 
Till  Earth  floats  beneath  him,  a speck  in  the  skies; 
The  bright  stars  of  even  shall  golden  steps  be. 
And  he  shall  ascend  to  the  realms  of  the  free. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


73 


THE  TRUE  LIGHT. 

’Twas  first-clay  morn : the  sun  shone  bright, 
And,  as  a god,  dispensed  his  light ; 

The  city  in  its  lucid  beam 
Was  fair  as  heaven  in  a dream, 

A stillness  reigned  as  night  profound, 
Unbroken  by  a single  sound, 

’Till  from  a hundred  steeples  high, 

Whose  proud  heads  seemed  to  prop  the  sky, 
A thousand  bells  rang  on  the  air, 

Come,  people,  to  the  house  of  prayer.” 

And,  as  the  call  went  far  and  wide, 

I saw  a living,  human  tide, 

A well-dressed,  well-fed,  smiling  throng. 
Pouring  with  golden  books  along. 

I followed  to  a temple  fair. 

Whose  gilt  dome  floated  in  the  air ; 

Through  windows  stained  the  dim  light  stole. 
And  beauty  gladdened  every  soul ; 

The  organ’s  peal  swept  through  the  aisle. 

In  tdnes  would  make  an  angel  smile. 

Now  soft  as  is  a fairy  strain. 

Then  groaning  like  a god  in  pain.” 

7 


4 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


When  Music’s  silver  voice  was  dumb, 

And  Silence  to  her  temple  come, 

I heard  the  priest,  in  accents  loud, 

Address  the  large,  attentive  crowd. 

He  said,  ‘‘  My  friends,  this  truth  is  clear. 

All  die  in  sin  who  come  not  here  ; 

For  Peter  will  the  gate  unlock 
To  none  but  our  believing  flock : 

All  else  are  heretics  beside. 

For  whom  Christ  neither  lived  nor  died. 

The  Pope ’s  the  God-appointed  head ; 

By  him  to  life  ye  shall  be  led  ; 

Nor  Avith  the  goats  — a num’rous  band  — 

Be  found  at  last  on  God’s  left  hand.” 

He  ended  ; and  I turned  away 
From  the  proud  temple’s  grand  display. 

Attracted  by  a pleasing  sound, 

A humbler  building  then  I found. 

And  heard  one  preach  from  ‘‘  Christ  the  Way.’ 
“ My  friends,”  he  said,  ’tis  clear  as  day. 

Who  make  the  Pope  their  god  are  Avrong, 

A fearful  truth  they’ll  find  ere  long. 

Christ  is  alone  the  living  Way, 

Our  Leader  to  the  realms  of  Day ; 

By  him  Ave’re  washed  from  ev’ry  stain. 

In  him  Ave  all  are  born  again : 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


75 


We  have  the  witness  from  above, 

And  know  and  feel  that  God  is  love. 

How  dark  the  soul  without  this  light ! 

Its  pathway,  shrouded  by  the  night. 

Lies  hard  upon  the  brink  of  hell. 

Where  spirits  unredeemed  must  dwell.” 

In  search  of  Truth,  I bent  my  way. 

And  many  more  I heard  that  day  : 

One  said,  ‘‘We  fell  in  Adam’s  fall ; ” 

And  one,  “ We  never  fell  at  all ; ” 

One  said,  with  solemn  shake  and  nod, 

“ There  is  a trinity  in  God, 

Disbelief  in  which  who  cherish. 
Everlastingly  shall  perish  ; ” 

And  straight  I heard  another  cry, 

“ The  trinity’s  a pagan  lie,  — 

A thing  the  Scriptures  never  mention, 

A foolish,  heathenish  invention.” 

“ The  sinner  must  forever  dwell,” 

I heard  one  say,  “ in  blackest  hell ; ” 
Another  then  at  once  declared. 

That  heaven  would  by  all  be  shared. 

“ Within  the  holy  book  I’ve  read. 

This  is  the  way  to  life,”  he  said : 

Another,  Avith  succeeding  breath. 
Exclaimed,  “ That  is  the  road  to  Death.” 


6 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


A trav’ler  then,  which  way  to  go, 
Bewildered  thus,  I did  not  know : 

With  anxious  doubts  my  mind  oppressed, 
Where  could  I go  for  light  and  rest  ? 

For  Darkness  spread  her  veil  around. 

And  wrapped  my  soul  in  night  profound : 
’Twas  then  I saw,  — or  did  I dream  ? 

I saw  a light  like  morning’s  beam  ; 

An  angel  form  unto  me  came. 

Whose  presence  seemed  like  ambient  flame. 
He  said,  ‘‘  I come  to  guide  thy  youth. 

And  lead  thee  in  the  path  of  truth  : 

All  thou  hast  seen  are  somewhat  right, 
Thougli  none  walk  fully  in  the  light ; 

A veil  shuts  out  lier  brightest  ray. 

That  priests  care  not  to  tear  away. 

Thou  hast  within  thy  soul  a light 
Can  chase  away  the  gloom  of  night,  — 

A map  by  heavenly  wisdom  planned. 

To  lead  thee  to  the  Better  Land. 

Then  look  within,  for  God  is  there ; 

And  cease  to  wander  anywhere  ; 

And  thou  wilt  then  this  truth  be  shown, 
God’s  love  no  little  sect  can  own : 

He  comes  to  strengthen  and  to  bless 
The  soul  who  dwells  in  righteousness. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


77 


Be  ev’iy  deed  in  kindness  Avrought, 
And  nobly  live  thy  purest  thought ; 

Be  this  thy  drink,  be  this  thy  food, 
Ever  to  labor,  doing  good  ; 

So  shall  thy  soul  renew  its  youth. 

And  thou  be  one  Avith  God  and  truth.” 


MY  FORTUNE. 

Eai  heir  to  no  fortune,  no  lordly  estate  ; 

No  child  of  the  Avealthy,  the  proud,  or  the  great ; 
No  slave  calls  me  master,  no  tenant  a lord  ; 

No  low-bending  vassals  e’er  eat  at  my  board  ; 

No  cellars  have  I OA^erfloAving  Avith  Avine, 

From  Moselle,  Oporto,  or  Avorld-renowned  Rhine  ; 
No  sums  in  the  bank,  and  no  stock  in  the  field ; 

No  gran’ries  to  fill  Avith  Avhat  harA^ests  may  yield ; 
No  gall’ry  of  pictures  by  masters  renoAvned, 
Dependent  in  halls,  by  the  beautiful  croAvned  ; 

Nor  beauty  nor  fashion  e’er  come  at  my  call. 

To  garland  a feast,  or  to  dance  at  a ball. 

Thou’rt  Poverty’s  child,  and  hast  ever  been  so:  ” 
I think  of  my  treasures,  and  answer  ye.  No  ! 


78 


RADICAL  PJIYMES. 


God’s  palace  is  mine,  with  its  high  dome  of  hlue, 
Its  curtains,  the  clouds,  with  the  light  peeping 
through  ; 

'My  carpet,  the  flower-spangled  meadow  and  lea  ; 
And  merry  birds  warble  sweet  music  for  me. 

The  clouds  drop  me  nectar,  the  rocks  distil  wine  * 
Then  never  for  less  worthy  drink  shall  I pine  ; 
While  Nature  supplies  me  with  fruits  of  the  field, 

I long  not  for  aught  that  intemp’rance  can  yield. 

My  pictures  are  landscapes,  unfading  and  true. 
Each  set  in  a frame  of  macfnificent  blue. 

The  Master  who  painted  retouches  them  still ; 

No  mark  of  his  pencil  but  tells  of  his  skill : 

Each  moment  they  change,  and  new  beauties  un- 
fold ; 

Now  tinted  with  lead,  and  then  burnished  like  gold. 
I view  them  at  morning,  night’s  curtain  updrawn, 
The  lake  and  the  mountain,  the  wood  and  the 
lawn ; 

When  gently  the  breath  of  the  murmuring  breeze 
Comes  laden  with  fragrance  from  blossoming  trees  ; 
When  slowly  the  sunlight  retires  in  the  west. 

And  sweet  to  the  lab’rer  comes  coolness  and  rest. 
The  moon  lights  each  scene  with  her  silvery  ray. 
The  night  has  a glory  unknown  to  the  day  ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


79 


When  bright  in  the  meadow  the  fire-flies  glance, 
And  look  through  the  leaves  like  the  stars  in  a 
dance, 

While  spirits  unseen  Avhisper  love  in  my  ear. 

And  earth  is  so  blissful  that  heaven  seems  near. 

My  cot  is  but  lowly : yet  Peace  abides  there. 

And  Health,  joyous  maiden,  with  cheek  ever  fair ; 
Love  smiles  on  me  joyously  all  the  day  long. 

And  Hope  ever  sings  a melodious  song. 

Pm  rich  in  a happy  and  peaceable  mind, 

A soul  whose  pulse  beats  for  the  bliss  of  mankind ; 
I’m  rich  in  a love  of  the  good  and  the  true,  — 
Such  riches  bring  pleasures  and  bliss  ever  new  ; 

I’m  rich  in  the  knowledge  of  future  delight. 

Where  all  will  be  ruled  by  the  spirit  of  right. 
Where  paltry  gold  wins  not  a soul  from  its  truth, 
But  goodness  lives  ever  in  beautiful  youth  : 

There  God  has  provided  an  infinite  store^ 

And  riches  untold  shall  be  mine  evermore. 


THE  SONG  OF  BEAUTY. 

There’s  beauty  in  the  rolling  stream,  as,  dancing 
on  its  way. 

The  blue-bells  and  the  violets  drink  vigor  from  its 


spray  ; 


80 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  green  trees  greet  it  with  a smile,  the  birds 
sing  to  its  praise, 

While  sweetest  echoes  roll  along  its  banks  their 
joyous  lays. 

There’s  beauty  in  the  rolling  stream,  beauty  all 
around  : 

You  cannot  wander  anywhere,  where  beauty  is  not 
found. 

The  gorgeous  hues  that  deck  the  sky ; the  rain- 
bow’s beauteous  arch ; 

The  golden,  fleecy  clouds  that  go  forever  on  ‘the 
march ; 

The  jewelled  stars,  those  eyes  of  night,  what  beauty 
in  their  glance. 

As  leads  the  moon  the  fair  ones  out  to  join  the 
nightly  dance  ! 

There’s  beaut}^  in  the  azure  sky,  beauty  all 
around : 

You  cannot  wander  anywhere,  where  beauty  is  not 
found. 

The  dimpled  waves  in  merry  chase,  along  the  briny 
shore. 

What  beauteous  shells  they  scatter  on  the  blue 
sea’s  sandy  floor  ! 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


81 


What  beauty  in  the  coral  caves,  where  mermaids 
dwell  below, 

And  bright  pearls  gleam,  those  ocean  stars,  with 
everlasting  glow  ! 

There’s  beauty  in  the  sounding  sea,  beauty  all 
around  : 

You  cannot  wander  anywhere,  where  beauty  is  not 
found. 

How  lovely  is  the  mountain  cot ! for  beauty’s  home 
is  there  : 

The  stream,  the  meadow,  and  the  w^ood  combine 
to  make  it  fair  ; 

’Tis  garlanded  with  roses  round,  and  smiling  chil- 
dren play. 

And  chase  the  bees  and  butterflies,  throughout  the 
summer  day. 

There’s  beauty  in  the  lowly  cot,  beauty  all  around  : 

You  cannot  wander  anywhere,  Avhere  beauty  is  not 
found. 


WINTER  IS  DEAD. 

Winter  is  dead. 

Gone  to  his  bed. 

And  clustering  violets  bloom  over  his  head. 


82 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Long  was  Ins  reign  : 

Noble  and  swain 

For  weary  months  prayed  for  deliv’rance  in  vain. 

Spring,  young  and  sweet, 

Would  the  king  greet : 

He  fell  a cold  corpse  at  the  young  maiden’s  feet. 

Green  was  his  shroud  ; 

Wept  the  young  cloud ; 

While  winds  spake  their  griefs  to  the  heavens  aloud. 

By  the  stars  dim. 

Buried  we  him, 

Where  blue-birds  are  chanting  his  funeral  hymn. 


THE  SEASONS. 

Spring  came,  a maiden  young  and  fair. 
Unbound  to  the  winds  her  silken  hair  ; 
Her  kirtle  green  was  trimmed  with  blue. 
Her  footstep  light  as  falling  dew. 

’T  was  morning  : on  yon  distant  hill 
She  stood  one  moment ; all  was  still ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Then  sang  such  a celestial  air, 

That  heaven  appeared  to  be  there ; 

And  flowers,  buried  in  the  ground, 

Woke  up  to  hear  the  joyous  sound; 

While  young  buds  startled,  with  surprise 
Opened  in  haste  their  wondering  eyes  ; 
And  listening  birds,  in  grove  and  glen. 
Repeated  that  sweet  strain  again. 

Her  breath  was  fragrance  on  the  air 
That  floated  down  the  valley  fair. 
Distilling  in  each  tiny  cup. 

By  every  infant  flower  held  up  ; 

Whence  bees,  who  know  the  honey-bells. 
Transferred  its  sweetness  to  their  cells. 
What  joy  was  there  along  her  route  ! 

The  old  woods  hung  their  banners  out ; 
And  by  her  side,  with  tinkling  feet. 

The  young  rills  danced  to  music  sweet ; 
While  spreading  from  her  steps  was  seen 
A living  carpet,  emerald  green,  — 

A path  for  Summer’s  gorgeous  queen. 

Within  a chariot  of  light. 

Whose  winged  steeds  out-rode  the  night. 
Fast  driving  o’er  her  wide  domain. 

The  goddess  came  with  royal  train : 


84 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


A velvet  robe  of  varied  hue 
Around  her  lovely  form  she  drew 
Its  colors,  brighter  than  the  skies, 
Enriched  by  glowing  sunset  dyes ; 

Her  brow,  bj^  Beauty’s  own  hand  graced, 
A diadem  of  stars  embraced. 

Whose  rays,  swift  heralds,  went  before. 
Proclaiming  her  to  every  shore  : 

“She  comes  ! she  comes  with  open  hand. 
To  scatter  blessings  on  your  land ! ” 

Then,  by  her  maids  of  royal  birth. 

She  gave  her  largess  to  the  earth. 

They  wove  for  man  the  fragrant  bowers. 
Those  calm  retreats  in  sunny  hours. 
Where  liquid  waves  of  music  roll. 

To  lift  the  sinking  human  soul ; 

Then,  in  the  city,  dusty,  dim. 

With  sweetest  voices,  called  to  him. 

Their  laughter  swept  the  orchard  through 
The  blossoms  fell,  the  apples  grew. 

The  cherries  blushed,  and  from  their  beds 
The  scarlet  berries  raised  their  heads. 

And  o’er  the  fields  of  paly  gold 
The  mimic  waves  in  beauty  rolled. 

They  banished  sorrow,  pain,  and  sighs  ; 
They  called  down  beauty  from  the  skies  ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


85 


And  hand  in  hand  with  her  they  played, 
Through  flowery  nook  and  bowery  shade  ; 
Nor  thought  of  else  till  Autumn  came,  — 
A staid,  demure,  and  thoughtful  dame  : 
Whose  damsels  brought,  for  all  to  share. 
The  downy  peach,  the  juicy  pear ; 

And  purple  grape,  the  fruit  divine 
Whose  flasks  contain  the  purest  wine  ; 
The  golden  grain,  in  drooping  sheaves. 
They  bore  beneath  the  farmer’s  eaves ; 
Within  his  mines  laid  up  a store 
Of  daily  life’s  most  needed  ore  ; 

They  set  the  verdant  woods  aflame. 

Each  tree  a burning  bush  became  ; 

While  sang  the  winds,  with  solemn  sound, 
“ Take  off  thy  shoes,  ’tis  holy  ground.” 

But  Autumn  fled,  when,  from  the  north. 
Came  Winter’s  stormy  mandate  forth : 

His  icy  sceptre,  held  on  high. 

Is  felt  and  feared  by  earth  and  sky  ; 

His  word  is  law,  and  at  his  will. 

The  world’s  wild  pulse  is  standing  still  ; 

A thousand  dashing  streamlets  hear. 

They  stop,  and  hold  their  breath  for  fear  ; 
8 


86 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


From  spreading  clouds  the  white  leaves  fall, 
With  crystal  foliage  cover  all, 

And  swiftly  wrap,  from  head  to  feet. 

The  dead  earth  in  her  winding  sheet ; 

As  through  the  wood  its  echoes  ring. 

The  trembling  birds  forget  to  sing  ; 

And  man,  the  lord  of  all,  turns  pale 
When  that  stern  voice  comes  on  the  gale. 

But  Spring  is  hastening  on  apace  : 

She’ll  take  old  hoary  Winter’s  place  ; 

She’ll  cheer  the  earth  with  light  and  song, 
And  make  her  life’s  blood  dance  along  ; 
She’ll  garland  hill  and  dale  and  plain. 

And  make  this  old  world  young  again. 


SPRING. 

She’s  coming  from  the  sunny  south,  young  daugh- 
ter of  the  year. 

To  banish  every  cloud  of  grief,  and  dry  each 
rolling  tear  : 

The  bloom  of  youth  is  on  her  cheek,  and  ‘‘laughter 
lights  her  eye  ; ” 

Her  presence  makes  the  frost  depart  and  hoary 
winter  fly  ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


87 


She  visits  every  wooden  hut  upon  the  western 
wild  ; 

She  gladdens  every  parent’s  heart,  and  kisses  every 
child ; 

They  scent  her  breath,  among  the  trcQs  they  hear 
her  pleasant  voice, 

And  as  they  gather  up  her  gifts  their  little  hearts 
rejoice  : 

She  looks  upon  the  care-worn  man,  pale  statue  of 
distress ; 

That  look  is  nectar  to  his  soul,  to  feed  him  and  to 
bless ; 

Long  years  of  sorrow,  doubt,  and  care  grow  dim  in 
her  bright  beam. 

And  as  a vision  of  the  night  his  greatest  troubles 
seem  ; 

The  tide  of  joy  flows  back  once  more,  and  floats 
his  griefs  away. 

And  with  a child-like  soul  he  joins  the  little  ones 
at  play : 

She  smiles  upon  the  mountain-rills ; they  smile  to 
her  again ; 

Their  music  rings  upon  the  air  from  many  a rocky 
glen; 


88 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  very  buds  are  big  with  joy,  the  raindrops 
dance  with  glee, 

And  every  bending  twig  keeps  time  with  tuneful 
harmony  : 

She  starts  the  life-blood  in  the  veins  of  many  a 
branching  vine. 

Whose  tendrils  clasp  the  forest-boughs  as  sisters’ 
arms  intwine  : 

She’s  weaving  garlands  for  the  grove,  and  carpets 
for  the  lea. 

How  noiseless  is  her  workmanship,  though  beauti- 
ful to  see ! 

She’s  limning  forms  of  beauty  with  a pencil  made 
of  flowers. 

And  singing  joyous  anthems  through  the  sun-be- 
gilded  hours . 

She’s  walking  in  the  verdant  wood  ; she’s  dancing 
down  the  lea ; 

She’s  coming  with  a blessing,  too,  for  all  the  world 
and  me. 

The  brooks  have  found  their  voices,  and  the  birds 
a merry  song ; 

The  dead  world  is  alive  again,  the  old  world  blithe 
and  young. 

A new  edition  Nature  prints  of  her  immortal  book. 

So  beautiful,  the  very  dead  are  rising  up  to  look ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


89 


A million  leaves,  with  illustrations  elegant  and 
new ; 

Unlike  all  other  books  in  this, — its  every  statement 
true. 


WINTER. 

Cold  winter  is  here,  and  blows  with  a whiz ; 

The  mercury’s  fell,  and  fuel  is  riz  ; 

The  river  is  still,  the  hydrant  is  friz. 

And  every  man  wears  a most  comical  phiz. 

Dead  in  the  garden  are  all  the  sweet  roses  ; 

Blue  as  a whetstone  are  all  the  red  noses ; 

While  every  thing  green  assuredly  froze  is. 

As  stiff  as  the  rod  that  was  carried  by  Moses. 

Art  furnishes  flowers,  though  Nature  is  froze  in ; 
Grog-shops  are  gardens  with  blossoms  by  rows  in. 
Where,  watered  by  villanous  whiskey  that  flows  in. 
Each  fool  must  soon  gather  a harvest  of  woes  in. 

Rich  people  snug  in  warm  bedrooms  are  lying ; 
Poor  people  hungry  in  garrets  are  dying  ; 

Shivering  children  are  moaning  and  crying. 

While  bleak  winds  around  them  are  mournfully 

sighing. 

8* 


90 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Then  think  of  the  poor,  ye  wealthy  flint-skinners, 
Who,  in  the  great  grab  game,”  have  made  your- 
selves winners  ; 

While  eating  with  relish  your  smoking  hot  dinners. 
Remember,  in  mercy,  your  poor  fellow  sinners. 


FREEDOM  FOR  THE  BOUND. 

Freedom  for  the  bondman,  pining  wearily  awaj^ ; 

His  dungeoned  soul  still  sighing  for  the  blessed 
light  of  day  : 

From  Carolina’s  fields  of  rice,  in  Mississippi’s  cane. 

Their  groans  ascend  to  heaven,  and  their  sweat 
descends  like  rain  ; 

Virginian  ploughing  sadly  in  another’s  field  of 
corn. 

And  Texan  picking  cotton  by  the  light  of  early 
morn. 

Freedom  for  the  bondman,  bent  at  Superstition’s 
shrine. 

With  bandaged  eyes  imploring  that  the  sun  of  truth 
may  shine. 

To  deaf  gods  he  has  conjured  up  from  error’s 
depths  profound. 

While  devils  that  his  fears  have  made  like  wolves 
are  howling  round,  — 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


91 


Mahoramedan  of  Mecca,  and  the  Catholic  of  Rome, 

The  Hindoo  in  his  distant  land,  the  Methodist  at 
home. 

Freedom  for  the  bondmaid,  chained  to  Fashion’s 
rolling  car, 

A willing  captive  taken  by  a ‘‘  nation  from  afar  : ” 

She  goes  where  freedom  cannot  live ; the  false 
supplants  the  true  ; 

And  gods  are  daily  worshipped  that  our  fathers 
never  knew,  — 

The  lady  in  her  satin,  riding  daintily  with  pride  ; 

The  maiden  in  her  calico  who’d  fain  be  by  her 
side. 

Freedom  for  the  bondmaid,  slave  to  Bible  and 
to  creed, 

Who  hugs  the  chains  that  weigh  her  down  and 
make  her  spirit  bleed  : 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,”  and  thus  saith  Paul,” 
her  tyrant  masters  they. 

Who  hold  the  rod  if  she  presumes  her  lord  to 
disobey,  — 

The  maiden  in  her  teens,  who  never  dares  her  soul 
to  trust ; 

The  matron  dying  while  she  lives  a sacrifice  to 
lust. 


92 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


Freedom’s  song  be  sounded  over  river,  land,  and 
sea, 

And  echo  bring  the  joyous  shout  that  tells  a planet 
free  ! 

Then  prison-doors  are  open,  drops  to  earth  the 
severed  chain. 

And  glory  streams  from  heaven  like  the  sunbeams 
after  rain : 

Free  men,  free  women,  walk  the  earth  as  spotless 
as  the  snow  ; 

All  misery  dies,  for  vice  has  fled,  and  heaven’s  be- 
gun below. 


ADVICE  TO  A FRIEND. 

Never  say  the  sky  is  black,  when  thou  dost  think 
it  blue  ; 

Never  speak  another’s  thought,  unless  thou  feel  it 
true  ; 

Never  walk  along  a road,  because  by  others  trod : 

Be  true  unto  thyself,  my  friend,  and  thou  art  true 
to  God. 

Do  right,  whatever  others  do ; though  all  are 
slaves,  be  free : 

Walk  straight,  however  others  walk;  and  thou 
shalt  noble  be. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


93 


If  others  choose  to  set  up  gold,  and  cry,  It  is  a 
god,” 

There  is  no  need,  though  thousands  bow,  that  thou 
shouldst  therefore  nod  : 

Stand  firm,  erect  in  manhood’s  might,  though  mil- 
lions humbly  bow ; 

Then,  though  but  one  man  in  the  world,  that  one 
man  wilt  be  thou. 


SUNDAY  SABBATH. 

’Tis  Sunday  : but  the  morn  peeps  out  ; 
The  breezes  play  the  woods  about ; 

The  wild  birds  sing  their  gayest  song. 
And  echoes  sweet  the  notes  prolong  ; 
Wide  fly  the  blazing  gates  of  day. 

And  Sol  rolls  on  his  sunny  way. 

The  trees  are  weaving  summer  bowers  ; 
The  bees  are  kissing  maiden  flowers ; 
Young  streams  are  dancing  wild  and  free. 
And  linking  hands  to  meet  the  sea  ; 

The  spider  spins  his  silky  line  ; 

The  vines  around  the  old  oak  twine : 

Up ! idlers,  up  ! the  world’s  at  work. 

Nor  meanly  thus  your  duty  shirk. 


94 


RADICAL  RHYMES^ 


Your  preachers  lead  your  souls  astray, 
For  Nature  knows  no  sabbath  day. 

Maiden,  raise  thy  parting  song  ! 
Ploughman,  drive  thy  team  along  ! 
Blacksmith,  let  thy  anvil  sing  ! 
Woodman,  make  the  forest  ring  ! 
Sailor,  spread  the  snow-white  sail ! 

No  sabbath  knows  the  flying  gale. 

City  toiler,  full  of  care. 

Out,  and  breathe  the  balmy  air  ! 

Leave  the  haunted  Gothic  pile  ! 

Leave  the  dim  cathedral  aisle. 

Where  hooded  Superstition  walks. 

And  Bigotry,  the  murderer,  stalks. 

Out,  and  bathe  thy  dusty  feet 
In  the  meadow,  cool  and  sweet. 

Where  the  trees  in  solemn  bands 
Raise  to  heaven  their  speading  hands ! 
There  joyous  birds,  God’s  heralds  free. 
Shall  preach  his  gospel  unto  thee. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


95 


QUESTIONS  FOR  THE  ORTHODOX. 

Who  was  it  that  tempted  the  Devil  to  sin  ? 

And  how  did  such  mischief  in  heaven  begin  ? 

And  why  was  the  crooked  old  serpent,  unslain, 
Permitted  on  earth  to  Avork  mischief  again  ? 

Whj^  was  he  not  chained  in  some  cavern  below, 
Where  chance  would  be  none  to  breed  sorrow  and 
Avoe  ? 

If  angels  could  sin,  and  from  heaven  descend. 

May  you  not  fall  also,  my  orthodox  friend  ? 

Pray  what  kind  of  mornings  and  evenings  were 
those 

Of  Avhich  Moses  tells  us  before  the  sun  rose  ? 

And  how  did  the  earth  in  its  gallant  course  fly. 
Before  its  prime-mover  was  placed  in  the  sky  ? 

If  God  cursed  us  all  for  the  fault  of  one  man. 

Did  justice  inspire  such  a horrible  ban  ? 

Pray  where  Avas  his  mercy,' his  love,  or  his  grace. 
For  one  sinner’s  fault  thus  to  blast  the  Avhole  race  ? 
And  Avhy  did  he  make  man  to  live  here  at  all. 
Well  knoAving  beforehand  that  Adam  Avould  fall  ? 
Or  why  not  the  garden  fence  snake-proof?  for  then 
The  foiled  fiend  had  craAvled  to  his  underground 
den. 


93 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Did  six  days  of  work  make  the  Deity  tire  ? 

If  so,  then  the  Author  of  life  may  expire  ; 
Jehovah’s  works  fail  like  the  labors  of  men, 

And  all  Nature  sink  into  nothimj  acrain. 

Who  was  it  that  Cain  married  ? give  us  some  light. 

His  sister.”  His  sister ! Could  incest  be  right  ? 
Did  lie  who  forbids  it  compel  such  a match, 

Or  leave  him  forever  a lonely  old  bach  ? 

Whence  came  the  deep  waters  that  over  all  stood. 
When  mountain-tops  were  but  as  snags  in  the  flood  ? 
And  where  did  the  wind  with  those  vast  oceans  fly? 
Did  comets  take  off  the  unusual  supply  ? 

Did  Noah  collect  that  menagerie  large  ? 

How  found  he  a place  for  them  all  in  his  barge  ? 
And  how  did  eight  persons  attend  to  the  whole  ? 
And  how  did  they  live  in  that  horrid  ‘‘  black  hole  ? ” 
If  God  is  a Spirit  unknown  to  the  sight. 

Who  was  it  that  wrestled  with  Jacob  all  night  ? 
And  whom  saw  the  elders  of  Israel,  when 
God  gave  his  commands  to  the  children  of  men  ? 
Who  gave  to  the  Jews  the  grand  charter  of  death, 
‘‘  Your  enemies  slay,  every  one  that  has  breath  ” ? 
And  how  can  the  God  of  that  bloodthirsty  crew 
Be  loving  and  merciful,  gracious  and  true  ? 

Was  God  once  an  infant,  the  child  of  a maid,  — 
The  filler  of  space  in  a rude  manger  laid  ? 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


97 


And  did  the  Almighty  grow  stronger  each  day  ? 
The  Lord  over  angels  with  little  boys  play  ? 

The  Maker  of  worlds  and  the  Ruler  of  spheres, 
Did  he  as  a carpenter  work  for  some  years  ? 

Was  he  who  owned  all  things  by  charity  fed, 

No  place  on  his  own  earth  to  pillow  his  head  ? 
When  he  knelt  in  prayer  on  Gethsemane’s  sod. 

Do  you  believe  angel  hosts  strengthened  their  God  ? 
And  did  he  abandon  himself,  when  he  cried, 

‘‘  Why  hast  thou  forsaken  me,  God,”  and  then  died? 


BABEL. 

The  deluge  o’er,  the  world  at  peace, 
God  said  to  man,  ‘‘  You  must  increase ; 
From  you  I’ll  breed  a royal  race. 

To  take  those  godless  wretches’  place. 
No  bachelor  nor  maid,”  he  said, 

‘‘  But  every  soul  at  once  be  wed. 

And  fill  the  world  with  better  men. 

Who  will  not  raise  my  ire  again.” 

On  Shinar’s  plain  they  dwelt  and  grew  ; 
No  fear  of  want  the  toilers  knew  ; 

’Till  plenty  gave  them,  as  it  ought. 

Both  time  for  rest,  and  time  for  thought. 

9 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  Avorlcl  was  drowned,  our  fathers  say : 
It  may  be  so  some  future  day. 

That  rainbow  story  I must  doubt, 

For  I have  seen  a fountain  spout. 

Here’s  clay : go  to,  let  us  make  brick. 

And  build  a tower,  with  walls  so  thick 
That  we  may  raise  them  to  the  sky. 

Nor  heed  the  waters  rushing  by. 

A rallying  place  ’twill  also  be  : 

When  scattered,  we  its  top  may  see 
From  every  part  of  earth’s  wide  bound. 

And  thus  our  home  be  always  found.” 

So  said  the  chief ; and  then  the  crew 
With  willing  feet  obedient  flew. 

Some  dug  and  raised  the  3delding  clay 
That  others  mixed  without  delaj". 

Then  shaped  and  burned  as  hard  as  rock. 

To  stand  the  earthquake’s  strongest  shock. 
In  course  were  laid  great  ten-feet  brick, 
Asphaltum  used  to  make  them  stick. 

To  heaven  each  day  the  structure  grew, — 
A Chimborazo  rose  to  view. 

The  whole  world  toiled ; what  might  not  be 
From  heaven  the  angels  dropped  to  see  ; 
Returning,  spread  the  strange  report, 

Which  reached  at  length  the  ro^^al  court. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


99 


A tower  to  heaven  ! ” and  with  a frown, 
Said  God,  I must  to  earth  go  down. 

This  little  pin-head  world,  the  earth. 

Gives  me  more  trouble  than  it’s  worth  ; 

I wish  I’d  drowned  that  Noah  too. 

And  rid  me  of  this  sin-cursed  crew. 

Who  will  not  rest  till  heaven’s  their  own. 

And  I and  mine  are  overthrown.” 
Accompanied  by  a trusty  few, 

Down  came  the  Lord  of  hosts  to  view. 

I see,”  he  said,  ’tis  as  I feared  ; ” 

And  then  he  stroked  his  long  white  beard  ; 

One  language  and  one  easy  speech, 

All  things  are  thus  within  their  reach. 

Go  to,  let  us  their  speech  confound. 

That  each  may  make  an  unknown  sound, 

So  none  can  understand  another. 

No,  not  even  his  own  brother.” 

No  sooner  said  than  it  was  done. 

And  Babel  ” everywhere  begun. 

What  hissing,  sputtering,  yelling  then 
From  half  a million  angry  men  ! 

They  barked  and  coughed  and  sneezed  in  vain. 
No  sound  could  make  their  meaning  plain. 

In  Choctaw  one  demanded  brick  ; ” 

His  Hebrew  brother  passed  a stick. 


100 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


‘‘  That  square  ! ” in  Greek  a second  said  : 
The  Gaelic  mason  shook  his  head. 

Here  slimo  ? ” in  Spanish  yelled  a third  : 
No  hod-man  understood  a word. 

‘‘  Go  work,”  in  English  here  one  say  : 

His  only  answer,  ‘‘  nichts  versteh.'' 

Like  ants  upon  an  upturned  hill. 

Now  here,  now  there,  no  mortal  still, 

Till  finding  all  their  labor  vain. 

They  scattered  over  Shinar’s  plain. 

And  God,  who  had  the  mischief  done. 
Looked  down  o’erjoyed  to  see  the  fun. 
Such  Gods  — is  any  devil  worse  ? 

Only  deserve  a people’s  curse. 


BIBLE  STORY  IN  VERSE ; 

OR,  THE  CONTEST  BETWEEN  GOD  AND  THE  DEVIL. 

Within  the  holy  book  I’ve  read 
A story  oft  with  wond’ring  dread ; 

But  now  with  mirth  sometimes  scan  o’er 
This  relic  of  Chaldaic  lore. 

There  dwelt  in  Uz  a godly  man. 

Whose  name  was  Job,  the  tale  began : 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


101 


Upright  was  he,  as  grows  the  palm  ; 

No  wrath-storm  broke  his  holy  calm  ; 

For  Peace,  sweet  dove,  had  made  her  nest 
Within  this  good  man’s  pious  breast. 

A wife  and  seven  sons  had  he. 

And  fairest  of  all  daughters  three  ; 

His  meadows,  sheep  unnumbered  bore ; 
Three  thousand  camels  were  his  store  ; 

Of  oxen  owned  five  hundred  head, 

Of  asses  just  as  many  fed. 

In  servants,  substance,  land,  and  beast. 
The  richest  man  of  all  the  East. 

There  came  a day  in  heaven  adored. 

When  God’s  sons  met  before  the  Lord ; 
And  Satan,  in  his  Sunday  best,” 

Was  also  there  among  the  rest ; 

A gentleman  from  top  to  toe. 

As  the  infernal  fashions  go. 

The  sons  of  God  with  deep  unrest 
Looked  down  on  the  unbidden  guest ; 

Till  one  who  knew  the  arch-foe  well. 
Though  guised  by  all  the  art  of  hell. 
Approached,  and  took  him  by  the  hand, 
And  introduced  him  to  the  band. 

Not  long,  and  all  felt  quite  at  case  ; 

Who  is  there  Satan  cannot  please  ? 

9* 


102 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  Devil,  too,  threw  off  all  care : 

His  home,  of  course,  is  everywhere  ; 

And  taking  off  his  fire-proof  hat. 

Soon  God  and  he  were  deep  in  chat. 

Then  said  the  Lord,  ’mong  other  tilings 
That  passed  between  these  rival  kings. 
Your  face  I have  not  lately  seen  : 

Pray,  Avhither  has  your  lordship  been  ? ” 

‘‘You’re  surel}" joking,”  Satan  said, 

“ For  all  things  travel  through  your  head  : 
You  know  as  well  where  I have  been 
As  if  you  had  been  there  and  seen.” 

“ Upon  ray  Avord,”  God  made  reply, 

(“  There’s  no  one  hears  but  yon  and  I ;) 
The  fact  is,  Nick,  to  tell  you  true. 

Of  news  I know  much  less  than  you  ; 

My  subjects  are  a lazy  set,  — 
ril  turn  them  out  of  heaven  yet,  — 

Who  spend  their  time  in  songs  and  prayers. 
Nor  half  attend  to  my  affairs.” 

“ Well,”  Satan  said,  “ since  that  is  so, 

I come  from  rambling  to  and  fro. 

Our  place  was  sad ; and  so,  for  mirth, 

I Avandered  up  and  down  the  earth.” 


tiadi':al  biiymes. 


103 


In  roaming  np  and  down  the  globe, 
Have  you  beheld  my  servant  Job  ? ” 

Of  course  I have,”  Nick  made  reply  : 

‘‘  I keep  your  saints  before  my  eye  ; 

No  mother  could  for  darling  son 
Care  more  than  I for  Job  have  done  ; 

And  if  in  heaven  he  chance  to  shine. 

It  will  be  through  no  fault  of  mine.” 

Yes,  yes,  I know  you,  sir,  of  old. 

What  hosts  you’ve  stolen  from  my  fold ! 
But  let  that  pass : I wish  to  know 
If,  in  your  wanderings  to  and  fro. 

You’ve  seen  a man  more  pure,  upright. 
Than  Job,  who  serves  me  day  and  night  ? 
I tell  you,  sir,  though  wide  your  hell. 

No  fiend  e’er  serves  you  half  so  well : 

I’m  proud  of  Job,  the  noblest  man 
The  earth  has  seen  since  time  began.” 

Then  Satan,  whose  deep  hate  was  stirred 
To  dark  revenge  by  every  word  : 

‘‘  The  dog  is  faithful  to  his  lord. 

But  faithful  only  for  his  board  ; 

And  Job,  though  faithful  all  his  days, 
Would  not  be  so  but  that  it  pays. 


104 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


I’ve  not  an  imp  in  hell  below 
But  that  would  serve  you,  pay  him  so. 
You’ve  given  freely  friends  and  health, 
And  made  him  rich  in  worldly  wealth  ; 
Have  set  a hedge  around  him  high. 

And  every  evil  passes  by. 

Who  would  not  serve  the  Lord  for  this. 
Secure  of  every  earthly  bliss  ? 

But  if  you’ll  just  withraw  your  aid. 

And  take  away  the  wealth  you’ve  made, 
You’ll  find  your  saint  has  little  grace  : 
He’ll  turn,  and  curse  you  to  your  face.” 

Said  God,  ‘‘  I know  the  reason  well : 
There  boils  in  you  the  wrath  of  hell ; 

No  surer  word  e’er  spoke  the  Fates, 

‘ He  must  be  good  whom  Satan  hates.’ 
Of  Job  you  foully,  falsely  lie. 

For  he’s  as  true  a soul  as  I. 

To  prove  that  what  I say  is  true, 

I give  his  substance  up  to  5^011 ; 

But  stop,  hold  on,  you  cunning  elf ! 

You  must  not  touch  the  man  himself.” 

Away  he  went,  more  swift  than  fly 
Migrating  swallows  through  the  sky, 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


105 


And,  ’lighting  in  the  brimstone  cave, 
Commission  to  his  servants  gave. 

Who,  darting  forth  with  gladness,  flew 
The  bidding  of  their  lord  to  do. 

But  God,  revolving  in  his  head 
The  final  words  the  Devil  said. 
Remembering,  too,  the  trick  he  played 
With  Mother  Eve  in  Eden’s  shade. 
Called  Gabriel  from  a distant  sphere. 
And  whispered  in  his  trusty  ear, 

‘‘  The  Devil’s  off  to  trouble  Job  ; 

Now  swift  and  seek  the  distant  globe. 
Find  Job,  and,  should  he  need  your  aid. 
See  strength  supplied  for  burden  laid  ; 
Perchance  the  Devil  is  too  strong. 

And  Job  may  do  the  thing  that’s  wrong  ; 
Which  would  be  sad,  for  then,  you  see. 
Old  Beelzebub  would  laugh  at  me.” 


Off  Gabriel  went,  swift  as  the  ray 
Shot  from  the  fiery  god  of  day  ; 

And  God,  released  from  further  cares, 
Gave  audience  to  a myriad  prayers. 
Which,  owing  to  his  needful  fears. 
Were  by  this  time  in  sad  arrears. 


lOG 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


Meanwhile  Nick’s  agents  in  high  glee 
Had  hunted  over  land  and  sea, 

And  bagged  the  winds  which  daily  blow 
O’er  deserts  wide  and  realms  of  snow. 

Job’s  sons  and  daughters  meet  to  dine, 
To  dance,  and  drink  Chaldean  wine, 

Nor  dream,  while  pleasure  fills  the  bowl. 
That  fiends  lie  wait  to  trap  the  soul. 
Around  the  house  the  demons  stand, 

A dread  tornado  in  e'ach  hand. 

The  storms  leap  out  with  furious  bound. 
And  dash  the  structure  to  the  ground. 
His  oxen  plough,  and  asses  graze 
Beside  them  in  the  verdant  ways  ; 

A demon  band  the  keepers  slay. 

And  drive  the  herds  like  chaff  away. 

At  morn  they  dotted  all  the  plain. 

At  noon  their  tracks  alone  remain. 

Away  then  flew  another  band. 

And  searched  each  cranny  of  the  land  ; 
From  hot  volcanoes  gathered  fire. 

To  satisfy  their  master’s  ire  ; 

From  JEtna  streams  of  lava  red. 

And  sulphur  from  Vesuvius’  bed. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


107 


(Nor  think  this  an  astounding  feat, 

For  who  as  fiends  so  used  to  heat  ?) 

His  flocks  — the  worthy  patriarch’s  pride  — 
Were  feeding  on  the  mountain  side  ; 

The  servants  near  them  lying  round 
In  peace  upon  the  turfy  ground, 

When  fell  as  falls  the  thunder’s  bride, 

A fiery  shower  on  every  side. 

Of  all  that  host  escapes  but  one 
To  tell  his  master  they  are  gone. 

His  camels  from  Arabia  come. 

Ships  of  the  desert  bound  for  home  : 

Each  one  is  seized  by  pirate  hands. 

The  servants’  life-blood  drink  the  sands  ; 
But  one  is  left,  who  straightway  goes 
To  tell  to  Job  his  tale  of  woes. 

’Twas  summer  eve  : his  day’s  work  done, 
Job  sat  and  viewed  the  setting  sun. 

Serene  his  soul  and  self-possessed 
As  day’s  bright  god  that  sank  to  rest. 

But  tidings  came  : his  sheep  were  slain  ; 

His  cattle  swept  from  off  the  plain ; 

His  camels  seized  and  borne  away. 

And  all  his  servants  far  astray. 

But  worse  than  all,  — the  lightning’s  stroke 
That  rent  his  living  heart  of  oak,  — 


108 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


His  children  taken  at  one  blow ; 

This  overflows  his  cup  of  woe. 

But  scarce  a word  the  anguish  tells, 

That  in  his  heart  intensely  swells. 

True,  once  the  rising  oath  came  there  ; 
But  Gabriel  turned  it  into  prayer  ; 

And  Nick,  who  sat  expectant  by. 

Could  only  turn  his  head  and  sigh. 

There  chanced  in  heaven  another  day. 
When  God’s  sons  came  their  court  to  pay 
Such  days  are  common  now  below. 

In  heaven  at  that  time  not  less  so  ; 

And  Satan  also,  brazen  bold. 

Stalked  in  as  he  had  done  of  old  ; 

Though  some  of  heaven’s  upper  ten  ” 
(All  angels  are  not  gentlemen). 

Cast  sneering  glances,  barbed  with  hate. 
At  helFs  distinguished  potentate. 

Yet  daunted  not  a jot  was  he. 

But  proud  as  Lucifer  can  be. 

And  answered  back  with  double  scorn 
Those  looks  of  heaven’s  basest  born. 

While  thus  in  silence  looking  fight. 

To  peaceful  angels  great  delight. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


109 


The  golden  doors  flew  open  wide, 

And  God,  with  Gabriel  by  his  side. 

Passed  through  his  million  sons,  who  stood. 
Like  pines  in  some  Norwegian  wood. 

Until  where  Satan  was  they  came. 

And  God  accosted  him  by  name  : 

‘‘  Well,  Satan,  here  again,  I see.” 

‘‘  Of  course  ; 3^011  don’t  get  rid  of  me  ; 

I’m  just  as  much  your  son  as  those. 

Who,  proud,  turn  up  the  holy  nose 
At  me  who  shone  a star  of  morn 
Before  their  little  souls  were  born. 

Tliey  may  yet  fall ; and  you  shall  see 
I’ll  punish  them  as  you  did  me  ; 

I’ll  make  a hell  beneath  my  own. 

There  shall  these  wretches  weep  and  moan. 
Mine  shall  be  heaven  to  that  deep. 

Where  I these  twice  damned  souls  shall  keep  : 
I’ll  show  them  I can  use  the  rod. 

And  prove  myself  a very  God.” 

“ Come,  come,”  said  God,  “j^our  wrath  assuage : 
These  fellows  are  not  worth  your  rage. 

See,  Gabriel,  that  those  boys  are  taught 
Behaving  henceforth  as  they  ought 
10 


no 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


To  one  who  is  as  welcome  here 
As  any  angel  far  or  near  ; 

For  (here  his  voice  fell  very  low) 

We  can’t  do  without  Nick,  you  know. 

That  I’m  your  friend  you  scarce  can  doubt, 
Although  from  heaven  I turned  j’ou  out : 
Though  much  the  evil  you  have  done, 

I ne’er  forget  you  are  my  son  ; 

I’ll  see,  when  to  us  you  resort. 

That  you’re  well  treated  at  my  court. 

But,  by  the  way,  much  time  has  passed 
O’er  both  our  heads  since  we  met  last. 

With  little  cliange  to  either  pate : 

Pray  whither  have  you  been  of  late  ? 

You  run  so  fast,  I’ve  not  a spy 
In  all  my  pay  on^  half  as  spry  : 

I cannot  keep  your  course  a day. 

When  once  from  here  you  get  away.” 

Oh,  well!  ” said  Nick,  ‘‘  you  have  the  odds : 
One  need  be  spry  to  out-wit  Gods. 

I’ve  been,  as  usual,  rambling  round. 

And  looking  o’er  our  battle-ground.” 

‘‘  Among  the  millions  of  the  globe 
Have  you  considered  pious  Job, 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Ill 


Who  stands  unmoved  your  every  shock, 
Firm  as  a weather-beaten  rock ; 

Whose  beetling  crags  for  aye  defy 
The  dashing  waves,  the  frowning  sky  ? ” 

“ Hold  there  : I hate  to  hear  you  dwell 
Upon  a man  too  mean  for  hell ; 

A sneaking  wretch  who  would  be  free. 
But  lacks  the  courage  thus  to  be  ; 

Who’d  give  up  cattle,  houses,  wife. 

To  save  from  death  his  worthless  life. 

Put  forth  your  hand,  and  touch  his  skin  ; 
Let  fever  burn  the  wretch  within  ; 

Ay,  boast  no  more,  but  touch  him  there. 
And  then  you’ll  hear  his  saintship  swear. 
With  all  his  piety  and  grace. 

He’ll  turn,  and  curse  you  to  your  face.” 

Said  God,  I see  the  reason  plain. 

You  cannot  now  your  wrath  restrain  : 
You’ve  found  your  match ; ay,  that  is  it. 
And  can’t  succeed  with  all  your  wit. 

I’m  proud  of  Job  : how  good  is  he  ; 
Temptation  proof,  of  passion  free. 

To  prove  that  what  I say  is  true, 

I give  his  body  up  to  you. 


112 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


Go  smite,  torment  him,  do  your  worst ; 

By  every  evil  see  him  cursed  ; 

But  spare  his  life,  there  is  your  bound  ; 
The  rest  to  you  is  open  ground.” 

The  last  words  reached  the  Devil’s  ear 
Just  as  he  lit  upon  our  sphere. 

A city  vast  in  grandeur  lies 
Before  the  demon’s  greedy  eyes  ; 

AVith  eager  glance  each  dwelling  there 
He  sweeps  with  most  assiduous  care, 

To  find  the  wretch  whose  throbbing  veins 
Distend  with  unremitting  pains. 

He  finds  him,  on  a pallet  laid, 

Beneath  a crumbling  hovel’s  shade  ; 

And  straight  transfers  the  poison  dire 
To  Job,  who  wakes  to  feel  its  fire. 

In  ashes  sat  the  good  man  down, 

A mass  of  sores  from  foot  to  crown, 

AV'ith  Satan  by  his  side  unseen. 

And  Gabriel  hovering  between. 

As  by  some  spring  the  hunter  lies. 

His  soul  out-leaping  from  his  e3^es. 

To  catch  a glimpse  of  roving  deer. 

That  unsuspecting  linger  near  ; 

So  sat  the  Devil  waiting  there 
In  hopes  to  hear  his  victim  swear. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


113 


But  Job,  who  keenly  felt  the  stroke, 

With  not  a word  the  silence  broke. 

But  brooding  o’er  his  misery  lay 
In  speechless  grief  through  night  and  day. 

Then  Nick,  remembering^ woman’s  power. 
Ho  w Adam  fell  in  Eden’s  bower, 

How  weak  was  all  the  serpent’s  guile 
Without  Eve’s  sweet,  alluring  smile. 
Transformed  himself,  — how  like  to  life 
He  looked  !.  — he  was  Job’s  very  wife. 

Job  saw  her  come  : how  glad  was  he  ! 

No  angel  could  more  welcome  be ; 

But  how  with  horror  shook  the  man 
To  hear  his  wife,  who  thus  began  : 

What  ? silent  still,  and  in  such  Avoe 
As  never  demon  felt  below  ? 

Dost  thou  still  love  that  cruel  God 
Who  uses  thus  the  chastening  rod  ? 

Dost  thou  hold  fast  thy  faith  in  him. 

When  pain  racks  every  joint  and  limb  .; 
When  fever  burns  within  thy  veins. 

And  throbs  thy  heart  with  ceaseless  pains  ? 
Curse  him,  the  fiend  who  dwells  on  high  : 

Curse  him,  and  calmly,  sweetly  die.” 

10* 


114 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


With  wonder  to  amazement  grown 
(Such  words  from  her  were  all  unknown), 
Job  heard,  and  then  with  sadder  grief. 
Words  came  at  last  to  his  relief  : — 

“ How  is  it  thou,  so  wise,  so  meek, 

Canst  as  the  foolish  women  speak  ? 

How  is  it  that  I hear  thee  say. 

Curse  him  to  whom  we  daily  pray  ? 

Shall  we  receive  all  gifts  from  God, 

And  not  the  chastening  of  his  rod  ? 

The  sweets  of  life  with  pleasure  sup. 

And  not  the  dregs  within  the  cup  ?” 

Thus  Job  with  noble  patience  bore  ; 

But  there’s  an  end  to  every  store. 

Huge  mountains  by  the  falling  rains 
Are  melted  into  fertile  plains  ; 

And  drops  too  small  for  eye  to  see 
Sweep  continents  into  the  sea. 

All  this  the  Devil  knew  full  well ; 

For  ages  principal  of  hell  : 

In  teaching  others  the  black  art. 

His  lessons  all  were  got  by  heart. 

So  plied  he  Job  from  morn  to  night, 

Half  hell-expectant  at  the  sight. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


115 


While  Gabriel,  fearful  that  the  flood, 
Whose  dammed-up  water  doubtful  stood. 
Might  burst  the  barriers,  and  sweep 
With  deadly  vi’lence  to  the  deep. 

Went  up  to  represent  the  case. 

And  have  assistance  for  the  place. 

Just  then  Job’s  anger  leapt  the  bound. 
And  Nick  rejoiced  to  hear  the  sound : 

“ Cursed  be  the  day  that  I was  born. 

To  live  this  life  of  pain  and  scorn  ; 

Or  night,  if  night  that  gave  me  birth. 
And  made  me  denizen  of  earth  ; 

Be  dark  that  day  as  shades  of  death. 
Unblest  by  God’s  awakening  breath; 
May  clouds  of  darkness  round  it  spread. 
And  thunders  burst  upon  its  head  ; 

Let  no  joy  bless  that  gloomy  night. 

Or  star  arise  upon  the  sight ; 

Let  hellish  darkness  to  it  cling, 

And  terror  ride  upon  its  wing ; 

Let  those  who  mourn  without  relief 
Curse  it,  and  join  me  in  my  grief ! ” 

J ust  then  came  Gabriel  to  his  post. 

With  guardian  angels  quite  a host. 


116 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


Resolved  to  drive  the  Devil  out, 

And  put  all  hell  itself  to  rout. 

But  what  was  his  surprise  to  find 
Himself  and  host  so  far  behind. 

Scarce  could  his  gaze  tlie  air  peep  through, 
For  Job  had  sworn  it  brimstone  blue. 

He  shook  his  head  : Alas  ! alack  ! 

What  message  can  I carry  back  ? 

Tell  God  the  truth,  and  with  disgrace. 

In  heaven  I’ll  surely  lose  my  place.” 

So  trumping  up,  as  others  do, 

A story,  any  thing  but  true. 

Away  to  heaven’s  gate  he  flew. 

When  Nick  had  satisfied  himself. 

Away  up  also  flew  the  elf ; 

And  scarce  had  Gabriel  shown  his  phiz, 
Before  the  Devil  put  in  his. 

Resolved,  should  the  Archangel  fail. 

To  tell  to  God  the  “ ower  true  tale.” 

Nick  heard  the  story  Gabriel  told. 

And  truth  made  Satan  still  more  bold. 

‘‘  A lie  O God  ! ” (he  could  not  wait ;) 

From  Job  himself  I’ve  just  come  straight 
He’s  swearing  ; not  a fiend  you’d  name 
Is  there  can  beat  him  at  the  game. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


117 


’Tis  true,  howe’er  3^our  soul  may  grieve  : 
Go  hear  him  if  3^011  can’t  believe.” 

Then  God : “ You  base,  infernal  slave  ! 

You  lying,  worthless,  daring  knave  ! 

How  can  you  come  before  my  face. 

And  lie  in  heaven’s  hol3"  place  ? 

Such  tales  may  do  in  other  spheres. 

Where  demons  lend  you  greed3^  ears  : 

Go  there,  and  tell  3^our  tale  below. 

Nor  dare  in  heaven  your  face  to  show  ; 

For  righteous  Job  is  all  1113^  own ; 

He  stands  firm  as  my  topless  throne  ; 

So  Gabriel  says,  my  servant  true. 

Who  never  yet  a falsehood  knew. 

If  3'OU  dispute,  or  even  frown. 

I’ll  hurl  you  hence  with  vengeance  down.” 

No  word  said  Satan  in  reply  ; 

But  there  was  fury  in  his  eye. 

As  backward  to  his  home  he  flew 
Some  new  infernal  plot  to  brew. 

“ I’ll  be  revenged  ! ” his  mutterings  fell, 
Like  thunders  at  the  gates  of  hell : 

How  well  fulfilled,  let  history  tell. 


118 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


THE  PLAGUES  OF  EGYPT. 

Ix  Midian  dwelt  a pagan  priest 
Whose  name  was  Jethro  ; or,  at  least, 

The  Bible  says  that  it  was  so  ; 

And  that’s  enough  for  most  to  know. 

He’d  seven  daughters,  useful  girls. 

Who  spent  no  time  on  frills  and  curls. 

Or  worsted  dogs,  or  fashion-books ; 

Nor  tried  with  paint  to  mend  their  looks  ; 
Nor  stuffed  their  hair,  as  girls  do  here. 

With  rats  and  mice,  and  such  “ small  deer  ; 
But  watched  their  father’s  flock,  — of  sheep 
I mean,  — and  drew  from  fountains  deep 
The  water  for  their  daily  need. 

And  led.  them  to  the  balmy  mead. 

The}^  filled  the  troughs  one  sultry  day  : 

But  shepherds  drove  the  girls  away,  — 

Nor  they  the  last  of  shepherd  wights 
Who’ve  plundered  woman  of  her  rights  ; 
But  Moses,  then  a sturdy  youth. 

From  Egypt  fled,  to  tell  the  truth. 
Appeared,  drove  off  the  coward  crew. 

And  helped  the  girls  as  best  he  knew : 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


119 


For  this  their  father  gave  him  one,  — 
Zipporah,  — and  she  had  a son  ; 

And  Moses,  with  a shepherd  wife. 
Seemed  fixed  a shepherd  for  his  life. 

Engaged  in  meditation  deep. 

By  Horeb’s  mount  he  led  his  sheep  : 
When,  lo  ! a bush  by  flame  illumed. 

And  yet  the  bush  was  unconsumed  ! 
What  can  it  mean  ? aside  he  turns  ; 

A bush  on  fire,  yet  never  burns  ! 

But  heard  with  awe,  the  solemn  sound, 

“ Take  off  thy  shoes,  ’tis  holy  ground  ; 
And  come  not  nigh  this  sacred  place. 

For  I am  God.”  He  hid  his  face. 

‘‘  The  God  of  Abraham,  the  Lord, 

Thy  fathers  worshipped  and  adored. 

I've  seen  my  people,  heard  their  cry. 

In  Egj^pt,  where  they  groan  and  die  ; 

I know  the  burdens  that  they  bear. 

And  I in  all  their  sorrows  share. 

From  heaven  I have  come  down  this  day. 
My  chosen  ones  to  take  away 
From  Egypt  to  a goodly  land  ; 

And  thou  must  lead  the  Hebrew  band  : 
To  Pharaoh  go,  and  never  fear. 

And  say  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  here,  — 


120 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  God  whom  we,  the  Hebrews,  know,  — 
And  he  sa5^s,  ‘ Let  my  people  go  ; ’ 

But  I shall  harden  Pharaoh’s  lieart. 

So  that  no  Hebrew  may  depart. 

Till  I outstretcli  my  mighty  hand, 

And  smite  with  curses  all  the  land  ; 

When  I have  laid  fair  Egypt  waste. 

My  people  shall  go  out  with  haste.” 

But  Moses,  knowing  Egypt  well. 

Stood  trembling  at  the  words  that  fell 
From  heaven  upon  his  startled  ear, 

And  filled  his  soul  with  deadly  fear  : 

He  thought  of  bad  deeds,  not  a few ; 

Of  the  Egyptian  that  he  slew  ; 

He  thought,  too,  of  the  sneers  and  sport 
His  talk  would  make  at  Pharaoh’s  court : 
Then  fear-emboldened  thus  replied. 

He’d  only  tell  me  that  I lied  ; 

For  how  could  he  believe  this  W'ord 
From  one  of  whom  he  never  heard  ? 

Ed  need  credentials  strong,  that  he 
Might  know  that  I was  sent  of  thee.” 

“ ril  give  them  in  a trice,”  said  God  ; 

‘‘  What’s  that  within  thy  hand  ? ” ‘‘A  rod.” 

“ Now  cast  it  down.”  A living  snake. 

With  hissing  mouth,  made  Moses  quake. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


121 


Seize  thou  its  tail  ; for  it  is  tame.” 

The  snake  at  once  his  rod  became. 

“ Show  this  to  him,  and  he  will  see 
That  I,  the  Lord,  commissioned  thee.” 

But  Moses  thought  of  home  and  wife. 

And  of  the  danger  to  his  life. 

And  whines,  O Lord  ! I’m  slow  of  speech. 
The  words  my  tongue  can  never  reach ; 

My  wife  her  husband  could  not  spare  * 

My  babes  demand  a father’s  care  ; 

Send  whom  thou  wilt,  my  God  ! I pray. 

But  I,  poor  stammerer,  let  me  stay.” 

Then  God  with  rage,  Thou  whining  knave. 
Do  as  I say,  or  there’s  thy  grave. 

Am  I,  the  Lord  of  heaven  ! to  be 
A suppliant  to  such  as  thee  ? 

Thy  brother  Aaron,  too,  may  go  ; 

That  he’s  an  orator  I know  : 

Go,  and  before  King  Pharaoh  stand. 

And  take  the  rod  within  thine  hand.” 

To  Pharaoh  went  these  men  of  God, 

Armed  with  the  wonder-working  rod  : 

The  Lord  our  God  hath  sent  us,  know 
That  thou  must  let  his  people  go.” 


11 


122 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


‘‘  The  Lord  ! what  Lord  ? Where  does  he  dwell 
What  idle  tale  is  this  you  tell  ? ” 

The  Lord  that  sent  us  is  the  God 
The  Hebrews  serve.  He  gave  this  rod, 

That  we  might  j)rove  our  mission  true 
By  showing  thee  what  it  can  do.” 

Then  Moses  casts  it  on  the  floor ; 

A serpent  glides  its  surface  o’er. 

But  Pharaoh  laughs  ; You  rogues  are  smart, 

Yet  I have  men  as  skilled  in  art, 

A hundred  : call  them  in,  Phra-doo, 

And  show  these  men  a thing  or  two.” 

In  then  came  Pharaoh’s  magic  band. 

Each  held  a rod  within  his  hand. 

And  when  the  chief  magician  spake. 

Each  rod  became  a writhing  snake ; 

But  Moses’  snake,  when  it  was  done. 

Went  round  and  swallowed  every  one. 

Then  Pharaoh  said,  “ March  off,  you  men. 

Nor  let  me  see  you  here  again. 

Your  paltry  tricks  are  naught  to  me  ; 

Our  gods  are  great  as  yours,  you  see  : 

Go,  tell  your  God  that  I say  so  ; 

I will  not  let  your  people  go.” 

For  God  had  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart, 

T^est  he  should  let  his  slaves  depart. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


123 


Then  said  the  Lord  to  Moses,  “ Go 
To  Pharaoh  in  the  morning,  lo  ! 

He  walketh  by  the  river-side  : 

His  heart  is  hard  and  full  of  pride  ; 

But  I will  bend  his  stubborn  soul,  — 

I,  who  the  universe  control ; 

Take  in  thy  hand  the  rod  I gave. 

By  it  I will  my  people  save : 

To  Pharaoh  say,  God  hath  sent  me, 

That  thou  should  set  his  people  free  ; 

If  not,  as  sure  as  he  is  good. 

He’ll  turn  thy  waters  into  blood.” 

At  early  morn  went  Pharaoh  out. 

As  was  his  wont,  to  look  about ; 

And  by  the  sacred  river  walked. 

And  with  his  chief  magicians  talked. 

And  there  met  Moses  face  to  face. 

Who,  God-directed,  found  the  place. 

That  Hebrew  crack-brains  here  again,” 
Said  Pharaoh,  turning  to  his  men  ; 

‘‘  He  has  his  snake-devouring  rod. 

And  doubtless  brings  some  word  from  God.” 

My  people  must  from  Egypt  go, 

Thus  saith  the  Lord.”  I told  you  so,” 

Said  Pharaoh  ; ‘‘  here  is  news  for  naught. 
From  heaven  by  this  old  shepherd  brought.” 


124 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


If  thou  wilt  not  my  people  free, 

Tlien  blood  shall  all  these  waters  be, 

And  I will  show  thee  I am  God.” 

Then  Moses  raised  his  magic  rod. 

And  struck  a blow,  felt  to  the  sea. 

And  from  Canopus  to  Philse. 

As  far  as  Pharaoh’s  eye  could  scan 
A stream  of  blood  the  river  ran  ; 

And  bathers  naked  fled  with  fright. 

Appalled  by  this  most  horrid  sight. 

The  fish  by  myriads,  struck  with  death. 

Came  struggling  up,  and  gasped  for  breath  ; 
Dead  crocodiles,  like  logs  of  wood. 

Went  sailing  down  the  crimson  flood  ; 

And  where,  before,  clear  water  stood, 

AVere  only  pools  of  gory  blood. 

The  sight  filled  Pharaoh’s  soul  with  dread  ; 
He  to  his  chief  magician  said. 

By  Apis,  this  is  wondrous  strange, 

I never  saw  as  great  a change  ; 

Has  magic  power  a crystal  flood 
To  change  at  once  to  crimson  blood  ? 

Phra-doo  bowed  low,  It  has,  my  lord 
Provide  the  water,  at  a word 
It  shall  be  changed ; ” ’twas  done  straightway 
But  whence  the  water,  who  can  say  ? 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


125 


And  Pharaoh,  with  his  flinty  heart, 
Resolved  his  slaves  should  not  depart. 

Six  hundred  miles  of  flowing  gore, 

God’s  anger,  an  abundant  store  : 

Six  hundred  miles  of  floating  death. 

All  Egypt  tainting  with  its  breath. 

For  seven  days  went  up  a smell. 

Bad  as  the  smoke  of  fabled  hell ; 

Till  God,  discovering  this  was  vain. 

Turned  blood  to  water  back  again  ; 
Resolved  to  try  some  other  art. 

To  melt  the  king’s  obdurate  heart. 

I’ll  bend  or  break  him  yet,”  says  God  ; 

‘‘  Go  thou  to  Aaron,  take  thy  rod. 

Tell  him  to  stretch  it  with  his  hand 
O’er  all  the  waters  of  the  land.” 

To  Aaron,  Moses  gives  the  nod,  • 

And  arms  him  with  the  wond’rous  rod. 

He  stretches  it,  and,  what  a sight ! 

He  drops  his  rod,  and  runs  for  fright. 

Up  came,  with  hop  and  skip  and  croak. 

An  army  of  cold-water  folk. 

From  rivers,  creeks,  from  streams  and  bogs. 
As  numerous  as  their  drops,  came  frogs. 

11* 


126 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


The  land  was  covered  ; not  a spot 
Where  croaking,  crawling  frog  was  not. 

Into  the  peasant’s  hut  they  leaped, 

Into  the  catacombs  they  peeped ; 

When  open  swung  the  palace-door, 

In  went  a thousand  frogs  or  more. 

And  carpeted  the  marble  floor. 

The  baker  cooked  them  with  his  bread  ; 

They  wrapped  them  with  the  mummied  dead. 
They  sprawled  o’er  sleepers  in  the  bed  ; 

With  Pharaoh  sat  upon  the  throne. 

Their  voices  mingling  witli  his  own. 

He  called  : his  chief  magicians  came. 

And  by  their  arts  produced  the  same. 

But  this  made  matters  all  the  worse. 
Increasing  still  the  crawling  curse 
That  filled  for  seven  days  the  land 
With  misery  more  than  men  could  stand  ; 

Till  Pharaoh,  sick  of  all  this  woe. 

Said  : iMoses,  I will  let  you  go. 

Entreat  the  Lord  for  me,  I pray. 

And  drive  these  cursed  frogs  away.” 

Then  Moses  to  Jehovah  cried. 

And  all  the  frogs  of  Egypt  died. 

-But  Pharaoh,  finding  all  was  right, 

Recovered  from  his  great  affright, 


nADlCAL  RHYMES. 


127 


And  vowed  he’d  see  them  all  below, 
Before  he’d  let  one  sinner  go. 

Well,”  said  Jehovah,  we  shall  see  : 
We’ll  try  him  now  with  number  three. 

He  shall  yet  know  that  I am  God. 

To  Aaron  say  : stretch  out  thy  rod. 

And  smite  the  dust,  it  shall  suffice 
To  turn  it  into  crawling  lice.” 

“ I will,”  said  Aaron,  if  I must.” 

He  raised  his  hand,  and  smote  the  dust. 
Up  rose  no  dust,  but  lice  instead. 

That  rained  a shower  on  every  head  ; 

In  palace,  temple,  tent,  and  house. 
Each  dusty  speck  became  a louse. 

On  man  and  beast  the  vermin  light  ; 

No  rest  by  day,  no  sleep  by  night. 

Or,  but  at  best,  a fitful  snatch  : 

Their  sole  employment  was  to  scratch. 
Up  millions  went  on  every  breeze  ; 
They  pastured  on  the  leaves  of  trees, 
On  blushing  cheek  of  ladies  fair. 

And  scrambled  up  and  down  their  hair. 
In  Egypt,  where  it  never  rains. 

The  dust  a fearful  mass  attains  ; 


128 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


And  this  was  moving,  all  alive, 

As  bees  that  cluster  round  a hive. 

All  travel  ceased,  the  drivers  sick. 

The  roads  with  lice  were  three  feet  thick  ; 
With  every  step  rose  up  a cloud. 

And  imprecations  long  and  loud. 
Phra-doo’s  men  tried  their  magic  art. 

But  not  a single  louse  could  start. 

We  jdainly  see  why  this  was  so. 

The  dust  was  all  used  up  you  know. 

But  the  magicians,  full  of  dread 
On  finding  their  enchantments  dead. 

It  is  the  Lord,”  to  Pharaoh  said  ; 

‘‘  Before  him  let  us  bow  the  head.” 

Bow  to  this  lousy  god,  not  I,” 

Said  Pharaoh  : sooner  would  I die  ; ” 
And  in  a rage  he  turned  away, 
God-hardened  for  another  day. 

Within  his  private  parlor  sat 
I Am  ” and  Gabriel  in  chat. 

“ There’s  Pharaoh’s  case  : now  let  me  see 
What  shall  the  next  reminder  be  ? 

I play  with  him  as  plays  a cat 
With  safely-captured  mouse  or  rat ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


129 


And  when  I strike  the  fatal  blow, 

He’ll  gladly  let  my  people  go. 

I have  it  now  : a cloud  of  flies 
ril  send  him  for  the  next  surprise.” 

All  Egj^pt  in  a moment  woke, 

For  all  had  felt  Jehovah’s  stroke. 

Biiz-uz  rushed  in  the  hungry  flies. 
Attacking  mouth  and  nose  and  eyes,  — 
Flies  large  as  any  bumble-bee. 

And  flies  so  small  they  scarce  could  see  ; 
Mosquitoes  sucking  blood  no  more 
Than  patience  out  of  every  pore ; 
Flesh-flies  that  buzzed,  and  lit,  and  then 
When  struck,  but  buzzed  and  lit  again ; 
Sharp  gnats,  black  flies,  infernal  pest. 
Whose  victims  know  no  moment’s  rest. 
The  air  was  full : Avith  every  breath 
A hundred  flies  went  to  their  death  ; 

But  twice  a hundred  came  to  view 
The  cavern  into  which  they  flew. 

They  bobbed  against  the  speaker’s  lips. 
The  drinker  took  them  with  his  sips ; 

No  man  could  eat,  but  with  each  bite 
Went  flies  to  spoil  his  appetite. 

Black  were  the  tables  ; every  dish 
Was  covered  ; flesh  and  fowl  and  fish 


130 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Were  fly-blown  ere  a man  could  eat, 
And  Egypt’s  misery  was  complete. 
Pharaoh,  with  red  and  swollen  face. 

To  pain  prefers  the  deep  disgrace ; 

For  ]\Ioses  and  for  Aaron  sends. 

And  thus  accosts  his  Hebrew  friends : 

Permission  I to  you  accord ; 

Go,  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  ; 

But  go  not  very  far  away. 

And,  oh,  remove  these  flies,  I pray  I ” 
Then  Moses  prayed,  ‘‘  O thou  the  Lord, 
By  countless  heavenly  hosts  adored. 
King  Pliaraoh  says,  as  thou  dost  know. 
That  he  will  let  thy  people  go  : 

Try  him  once  more,  O God  of  love  ! 
This  plague  of  hungry  flies  remove.” 

As  thou  desirest  let  it  be. 

And  Egypt  from  this  curse  be  free,” 
God  said,  and  every  fly  was  gone  ; 
There  was  not  left  a single  one. 

When  Pharaoh  found  that  all  was  well. 
His  spirits  rose,  his  terror  fell. 

“ ’Twas  but  an  accident,”  said  he  : 

‘‘  Why  should  I set  these  Hebrews  free 
’Twould  ruin  us  to  let  them  go. 

And  ruin  them,  as  they  might  know ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


131 


If  to  llie  wilderness  they  fly, 

They  can  do  nothing  there  but  die. 

In  mercy  I must  take  their  part, 

Nor  let  them  with  these  men  depart.” 

Lo,  I have  found,”  said  God,  ‘‘  full  oft 
The  heart  most  hard,  the  pocket  soft.” 

I will  now  touch  that  tender  spot, 

Which  prince,  no  less  than  peasant’s,  got : 
I’ll  kill  their  cattle  and  their  sheep, 

And  laugh  to  see  the  nation  weep  ; 

I’ll  slay  each  camel,  horse,  and  ass. 

And  over  none  my  vengeance  pass. 

I am  the  Lord,  I’ll  make  them  know  ; 
Then  they  shall  let  my  people  go.” 

O’er  all  the  land  a murrain  passed, 

As  sweeps  the  dread  sirocco’s  blast  : 

The  camels  sunk  beneath  their  load ; 

The  horses  dropped  upon  the  road ; 

The  asses  ’neath  their  burdens  fell ; 

The  people’s  trouble  who  can  tell. 

The  sick  man  left  upon  the  road, 

Became  a helpful  neighbor’s  load  ; 

With  merchandise  the  road  was  strewed, 
Dropped  by  the  dying  multitude ; 

The  cattle,  feeding  in  the  stall. 

Were  seen  to  gasp  and  then  to  fall ; 


132 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


The  peasant’s  only  cow  Avas  dead ; 

Children  Avent  supperless  to  bed  ; 

.Vnd  through  the  land  Avent  up  a Avail, 

That  made  the  stoutest  spirit  quail. 

But  though  the  whole  to  God  Avas  knoAvn, 

It  never  moved  his  heart  of  stone ; 

And  Pharaoh’s  had  no  softer  groAvn, 

For  God  had  made  it  like  his  own. 

Noav  on  their  backs  111  lay  my  rod, 

And  they  shall that  I am  God. 

The  hardness  of  this  Pharaoh's  heart 
Shall  make  the  Avhole  of  Egypt  smart,” 
Jehovah  said,  and  then  he  spake 
To  Moses  and  his  brother  : ‘‘  Take 
Of  furnace  ashes  full  supply  ; 

By  handfuls  cast  them  toAvard  the  sky. 

In  Pharaoh’s  sight ; each  atom  then 
Shall  be  a boil  on  beasts  and  men.” 

( Strange  to  curse  beasts  Avith  boil  and  blain 
The  murrain  had  already  slain.) 

’TAvas  done,  and  every  man  and  brute 
Was  furnished  Avith  an  embossed  suit ; 

Then  running  boils,  from  head  to  feet,  — 

A panoply  of  pain  complete. 

They  covered  the  magicians  o’er. 

Their  bodies  but  one  running  sore ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


133 


Their  magic  gone,  no  power  to  stay, 

With  pain  they  howling  fled  away. 

From  princes  in  their  palace  laid. 

To  beggars  ’neath  a hovel’s  shade  ; 

From  new-born  babe  to  hoary  sire. 

The  coursing  blood  seemed  liquid  fire ; 

Foul  blotches  covered  every  face. 

The  fair  of  beauty  shewed  no  trace  ; 

All  commerce  ceased  ; the  love  of  gain 
Was  swallowed  by  the  deadly  pain. 

They  could  not  walk,  they  could  not  sit ; 

All  clothing  was  too  tight  a fit ; 

No  doctor  could  his  patients  see  ; 

A patient  without  patience  he. 

What  mortal  could  such  pain  withstand  ? 

A hospital  was  all  the  land. 

Vain  cries  for  father,  sister,  mother. 

For  no  poor  soul  could  help  another. 

Now  surely  Pharaoh  will  relent. 

And  of  his  stubbornness  repent. 

And  send  his  slaves  from  Egypt  out ; 

And  so  he  would,  without  a doubt. 

But,  Moses  will  the  cause  impart. 

The  Lord  had  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart.” 

Scarce  had  the  morning  drank  the  night, 

And  pierced  the  fog  with  arrowy  light, 

12 


134 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Revealing  what  its  veil  had  ihd 
Of  palace,  tower,  and  pyramid. 

When,  armed  with  curse-producing  rod. 
Came  Moses,  deep  in  talk  with  God. 

“ Now,  Moses,  I’ve  another  plan 
To  move  this  diamond-hearted  man  : 

Since  Egypt  has  a country  been, 

A thunder-storm  has  ne’er  been  seen  ; 
Combine  with  this  a shower  of  hail. 

And  then,  I think,  it  cannot  fail 
To  strike  the  stoutest  heart  with  fear. 

And  make  my  majesty  appear.” 

So  saying,  to  his  home  went  God, 

And  Moses  stretched  to  heaven  his  rod  : 
Hoarse  thunder  shook  tlie  veiy  ground, 

A nation  paled  to  hear  the  sound ; 

Dark  grew  the  heavens,  as  midnight  black. 
And  hoarser  thunder  answered  back  ; 
Fierce  lightnings  flashed  in  sheets  of  Are, 
Responsive  to  Jehovah’s  ire. 

From  heaven  to  earth  leaped  at  one  bound. 
And  ran  along  upon  the  ground ; 

’Twas  noon  one  moment,  next  ’twas  night. 
And  every  soul  was  dumb  with  fright. 

Then  crashing  came  great  icy  balls : 

The  stoutest  tree  before  them  falls ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


135 


They  plough  the  ground,  and  leave  no  blade 
To  grow  for  food,  or  tree  for  shade ; 

In  vain  the  peasant  homeward  flies. 

Beneath  their  blows  he  falls  and  dies, 

And  on  the  spot,  an  icy  mound 
Tells  where  his  body  may  be  found  ; 

The  cattle,  killed  and  boiled  before. 

Where’er  exposed,  were  killed  once  more  ; 
And  if  you,  doubting,  whisper,  “ No,” 

Your  Bibles  read,  you’ll  find  it  so. 

Dark  as  the  clouds  that  o’er  him  roll. 

The  fears  become  in  Pharaoh’s  soul ; 

And,  when  the  storm  in  fury  fell. 

His  abject  terror  none  can  tell. 

Call  quick  for  Moses,  Aaron  too. 

This  state  of  things  will  never  do. 

I am  a sinner,  God  is  just,” 

Said  Pharaoh,  humbled  to  the  dust ; 

While  lightnings  through  his  palace  played. 
And  thunders  rumbled  overhead. 

I have  done  wrong,  I now  can  see  : 

Entreat  the  Lord  once  more  for  me. 

And  stay  the  thunder  and  the  hail. 

If  you  can  with  j^our  God  prevail ; 

And  I will  do  just  as  ye  say,  — 

Your  people  shall  no  longer  stay.” 


136 


BADICAL  BHYMES. 


As  thinks  the  fish  that  has  the  bait, 

I’ve  all  I need,  I will  not  wait, 

Nor  dreams  of  hook,  or  angling  friend. 

On  which  his  future  moves  depend  : 

So  Pharaoh,  when  he  saw  the  rod. 

Knew  nothing  of  the  angler,  God, 

Who  let  him  move  a while  about. 

Until  he  chose  to  lift  him  out. 

Then  Moses  stretched  to  heaven  his  hand  ; 
Changed  in  an  instant  was  the  land ; 

The  darkness  flees,  the  thunders  cease. 
And  in  a moment  all  is  peace. 

But  Pharaoh  laughed  when  iNIoses  came. 
Fulfilment  of  his  word  to  claim  : 

“ Your  fancy  was  upon  the  wing, 

I never  dreamed  of  such  a thing ; 

I’ll  hold  you  while  I hold  my  breatli. 

And  nought  can  free  you  short  of  death.” 

Once  more  the  Lord  to  Moses  came : 

Go  unto  Pharaoh,  in  my  name. 

His  and  his  servants’  hearts  I’ve  steeled, 
That  they  may  not  in  mercy  yield, 

Till  I have  all  my  wonders  shown, 

And  Egypt’s  hosts  are  overthrown. 

Once  more  the  land  is  green  and  fair ; 

Tell  Pharaoh  I shall  fill  the  air 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


13 


With  locusts  that  shall  eat  it  bare, 

And  not  a verdant  leaflet  spare.” 

When  Pharaoh  and  his  servants  heard, 
They  trembled  at  Jehovah’s  word ; 

And  Pharaoh  said,  If  that  be  so. 

Go  serve  the  Lord  : but  Avho  must  go  ? ” 
Then  Moses  said,  Why,  every  one  ; 
Each  father,  mother,  daughter,  son ; 

Our  flocks  and  herds  we’ll  also  take, 

A sacrifice  to  God  to  make.” 

“ No,  no,”  said  Pharaoh,  ‘‘  none  but  men. 
And  then  you  will  return  again  , 

And  to  his  servants,  ‘‘  Drive  them  out, 

I will  not  have  such  men  about.” 


Then  Moses,  by  command  of  God, 

Once  more  stretched  out  his  magic  rod. 
Which  brought  an  east  wind  day  and  night, 
And  locusts  with  the  morning  light : 

A pitchy  cloud  that  hid  the  sun. 

As  if  the  evening  had  begun ; 

And  then  a loud,  increasing  roar, 

Like  breakers  on  a rocky  shore  ; 

And  from  that  cloud  on  all  below. 

Fell  locusts  like  the  winter’s  snow : 

As  sand-grains  on  the  desert  floor. 


So  covered  they  the  country  o’er  ; 
12* 


138 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


At  every  window  in  they  flew, 

And  filled  the  houses  through  and  through ; 
Leaped  everywhere,  all  things  upon. 

And  bit  in  fury,  every  one ; 

(With  science  this  may  lack  accord. 

But  these  were  locusts  of  the  Lord  ; ) 

They  stripped  the  trees,  they  ate  each  blade. 
And  of  the  land  a desert  made. 

Till  Pharaoh,  all  his  courage  spent. 

For  Moses  and  for  Aaron  sent. 

‘‘  I have  done  wrong,  I sorely  rue  ; 

I’ve  sinned  against  the  Lord  and  you. 

Forgive  this  time  : yes,  you  may  start, 

But  cause  these  locusts  to  depart.” 

Then  Moses  to  Jehovah  prayed  ; 

And  he  a mighty  west  wind  made. 

That  swept  the  land  from  locusts  free, 

And  dropped  them  into  the  Red  Sea. 

The  broken-hearted  Pharaoh  would 
Have  freed  the  Hebrews  if  he  could  ; 

But,  ere  the  wretch  could  make  a start, 

‘‘  The  Lord  had  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart.” 

Then  Moses  stretched  toward  heaven  his  hand. 
And  darkness  fell  on  all  the  land. 

Dark  is  the  night,  without  a star ; 

That  day  was  blacker,  darker  far  ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


139 


Darker  than  dungeon  or  black  hole,” 

Or  pit  where  miners  delve  for  coal ; 

No  lamp  could  shed  a ray  of  light, 

To  break  the  darkness  of  that  night ; 

A London  fog,  black  as  your  hat. 

Is  mid-day  radiance  to  that ; 

’Twas  darkness  that  a knife  could  cut ; 

You  say  that  is  a story,  but 
The  Bible,  before  which  you  kneel. 

Declares  ’twas  darkness  you  might  feel. 

For  three  days  not  a mortal  rose 
(So  heavy  was  it  I suppose). 

Till  Pharaoh,  by  this  curse  appalled. 

In  anguish  unto  Moses  called : 

How  did  he  find  him  ? ” All  I know. 

The  Bible  says  that  it  was  so.) 

Go  serve  the  Lord,  go  every  one, 

I shall  rejoice  when  you  are  gone  : 

Although  your  flocks  and  herds  remain. 

And  then  you  will  return  again.” 

“ Our  flocks  and  herds  ? ” said  Moses  ; no  ; 
We  cannot  move  unless  they  go ; 

To  God,  burnt-offerings  must  be  made. 

And  on  his  altars  victims  laid ; 

All  his  commands  his  people  bind. 

We  will  not  leave  a hoof  behind.” 


140 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Said  Pharaoh,  in  a passion  then, 

“ Begone,  nor  see  my  face  again  : 

King  of  all  Egypt,  when  my  eye 
Sees  thee  again  thou’lt  surely  die.” 

You  ask,  How  came  this  sudden  start  ? ” 
The  ‘‘  Lord  had  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart.” 

Said  God  to  Moses,  ‘‘  I’ve  in  store 
For  Pharaoh  only  one  plague  more  ; 

Then,  though  his  heart  is  hard  and  stout, 

I know  that  he  will  thrust  you  out. 
Through  all  the  land,  thus  saith  the  Lord, 
I’ll  pass  with  my  destroying  sword  ; 

Speak  to  my  people,  ’tis  my  will, 

A lamb  unblemished  must  they  kill 
For  every  household;  and  each  door 
Must  with  the  blood  be  sprinkled  o’er. 

And  I shall  see  the  crimson  sign. 

And  know  that  blood-stained  house  is  mine  ; 
And  on  that  dark  and  fearful  night. 

When  I through  Egypt  take  my  flight, 

Let  no  soul  from  his  dwelling  stir. 

Or  I may  be  his  murderer.” 

At  midnight,  with  his  flaming  sword. 
Throughout  all  Egypt  swept  the  Lord; 

Of  man  and  beast  the  first-born  slew. 

But  by  the  sign  his  people  knew. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


141 


(The  beasts  twice  slain  before,  ’tis  true ; 

A trifle  for  the  Lord  to  do.) 

Hark  ! ’tis  a mother’s  piercing  cry  ; 

She  sees  her  baby  gasp  and  die. 

Her  neighbor  wakes,  last  week  a bride. 

Her  husband’s  corpse  lies  by  her  side. 

From  Pharaoh’s  Avife  to  miller’s  maid. 

From  king  to  him  in  dungeon  laid. 

The  Lord  had  smitten  everywhere  ; 

No  house  but  death  had  entered  there. 

From  stricken  Egypt  rose  a Avail 
Loud  as  the  most  terrific  gale. 

Then  from  the  multitude  a shout  : 

Drive,  drive  these  cursed  HebreAVS  out.” 
And  Pharaoh  sent  for  Moses  then, 

‘‘  For,”  said  he,  ‘‘  Ave  are  all  dead  men. 

Go,  go ; and  Moses,  take  your  rod. 

Your  children,  cattle,  and  your  God  ; 

There  is  no  safety  Avhile  you  stay ; 

You  must  march  out  this  very  day.” 

A nation  in  a moment  free  : 

It  Avas  the  day  of  jubilee  ; 

To  pack,  to  start,  they  Avere  not  sIoav  ; 

Their  kneading-troughs  contained  the  dough. 
So  hurried  by  their  neighbors  they. 

Who  saAV  but  death  if  they  should  stay. 


142 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


Taught  by  the  Lord,  their  need  he  knew, 
They  borrowed  of  those  neighbors  too,  — 
Gold,  silver,  raiment ; glad  were  they 
To  help  their  plagues  to  get  away. 

That  very  morn  they  started  out ; 

Three  million  people  on  the  route, 

From  Egypt  to  the  Promised  Land, 

Went  trudging  o’er  the  desert  sand, 

With  cattle,  sheep,  a numerous  throng, 

A column  twenty-five  miles  long. 

(You  tell  me  they  could  never  do 
What  I declare  ; and  that  is  true. 

As  Natal’s  bishop  clearly  shows. 

And  every  common-sense  man  knows  ; 
But  then  Jehovah,  so  immense. 

Cannot  be  bound  by  common  sense.) 
Wrapped  in  a pillared  cloud  all  day. 

Great  T AM  marched  to  show  the  w^ay ; 
But  in  the  darkness  of  the  night 
He  blazed  a fire  to  give  them  light ; 

With  Moses  now  and  then  he  talked. 

As  through  the  wilderness  they  walked  : 

From  Pharaoh  they  are  free  at  last. 

But  I cannot  forget  the  past ; 

I’ll  harden  his  old  heart  anew. 

And  he  shall  follow  after  you  ; 

Then  thou  shalt  see  what  I will  do. 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


14 


I have  within  my  mind  a plan, 

To  get  me  honor  on  that  man  ; 

I’ll  shame  the  gods  he  has  implored, 

And  show  him  that  I am  the  Lord.” 

Then  Pharaoh  said,  ‘‘  Why  did  we  so  ^ 
From  serving  us,  why  let  them  go  ? 

’Tis  not  too  late  to  mend  this  thing. 

All  Egypt’s  chariots  swiftly  bring ; 

Nor  captains  nor  for  soldiers  lack  ; 

We’ll  capture  them,  and  drive  them  back.” 
Six  hundred  chariots  were  at  hand. 
Obedient  to  the  king’s  command  ; 

With  captains  also  at  their  post. 

And  horsemen  and  an  armed  host. 
Hard-hearted  Pharaoh  led  the  van 
According  to  Jehovah’s  plan. 

The  Hebrews,  their  day’s  travel  o’er. 

Were  camped  upon  the  Red  Sea’s  shore. 
When  they  beheld  with  deadly  fear 
Pharaoh’s  grand  army  drawing  near ; 

On  each  side  rocky  mountains  rose  ; 

Before,  the  sea,  behind,  their  foes ; 

They  knelt,  with  Moses  by  their  side. 

And  to  the  Lord  in  terror  cried  ; 


144 


RADICAL  RHYMES, 


No  answer  from  Jehovah  came  ; 

On  Moses  then  they  poured  the  blame  : 
‘‘  Why  not  in  Egypt  let  us  lie  ? 

Why  didst  thou  bring  us  here  to  die  ? 
Better  had  we  been  slaves  to-day 
Than  thus  to  perish  by  the  way.” 

Six  hundred  thousand  fighting  men, 
With  God  for  leader ; but  what  then  ? 
A set  of  trembling  cowards  they ; 

So  are  his  people  to  this  day. 

Then  Moses,  by  command  of  God, 
Upraised  again  his  awful  rod  ; 

Fear  not,  stand  still,  behold,”  said  he. 
And  stretched  it  over  the  Red  Sea ; 
And  then  arose  a wind  that  blew 
A passage  its  deep  waters  through. 
With  hope,  3"et  terror,  on  they  sped 
All  night  upon  the  dry  sea’s  bed  ; 

On  right  and  left  a watery  wail 
By  wind  upheld,  how  could  it  fall  ? 
(The  story  to  this  veiy  day 
Has  been  upheld  the  self-same  waj-.) 
When  Pharaoh  saw  the  dried-up  sea, 
’Tis  good  for  us  as  them,”  said  he. 
And  on  he  went  most  recklessly". 

The  fiery  pillar  no  more  led. 

But  went  behind  the  host  instead ; 


RADICAL  RHYMES. 


14 


A cload  to  Pharaoh,  but  a light 
To  every  flying  Israelite. 

And  from  that  pillar,  like  a ghost, 

God  looked,  and  troubled  Pharaoh’s  host ; 
Nay  more,  took  off  their  chariot- wheels. 
And  thus  reduced  them  to  their  heels. 

Till  the  alarmed  Egyptians  say, 

‘‘  Let  us  return,  while  yet  we  may  ; 

Their  God  is  fighting  for  them,  we 
To  save  our  lives  must  quickly  flee.” 

The  Hebrews,  with  the  morning  light. 
Were  on  the  farther  side,  all  right; 

But  the  Egyptians,  toiling  on, 

Oft  looking  back,  their  courage  gone. 

Now,  Moses,”  said  the  Hebrew  God, 

‘‘  Stretch  o’er  the  sea  once  more  thy  rod ; 
In  gravitation’s  jaws  are  they, 

No  power  can  now  release  my  prey.” 

Up  went  the  rod,  the  water  saw, 

And  in  an  instant  felt  the  law  ; 

In  vain  affrighted  Pharaoh  flees. 

Together  rush  the  parted  seas  ; 

His  chariots  and  his  horsemen  brave 
Sink  deep  beneath  the  Red  Sea  wave. 
Their  corpses  strew  tlie  sandy  shore. 

And  Eg3^pt  sees  her  sons  no  more. 


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